The gap in physical ability between children in the same class but born in different months was sometimes very wide. “For example, we found that a boy born in November can run at least 10% faster, jump 12% higher and is 15% more powerful than a child of the same age born in April. This is a huge physical advantage,” said Sandercock. These gaps could decide who became a top-level athlete because “selection into elite sports may often depend on very small differences in a person’s physical performance”. The study found that, when scores for the three kinds of fitness were put together, children born in April were the least fit, followed by children born in June.
According to Sandercock, what does selection into elite sports often depend on?
Small differences in physical ability The decision of a small selection committee Being in the top 10% to 15% of the population in speed, height and power Persistence and luck