Discovering Athletic Talent in Children: A Challenge for Coaches, PE Teachers, and Parents. Identifying athletically talented children is a challenge for coaches, physical education teachers, and parents alike. An even greater challenge lies in nurturing that talent so it isn't wasted, allowing both the child and their supporters to enjoy a long and rewarding journey in sports.
Agata Litwin-Żurad, triathlete, founder of the Litwin Triathlon Team, coordinator coach of the Lower Silesian Triathlon Team, and president of the Litwin Triathlon Elite Association—a club training children and youth—shares her approach to fostering the sporting spirit and building a team.
Talents in Triathlon... Who Should Be Looking for Young Athletes Who Don’t Yet Know Triathlon Could Be Their Passion? What Role Do Coaches, PE Teachers, and Parents Play?
Agata Litwin-Żurad: The role of all these individuals is to talk with young people and expose them to a variety of sports options. Once the young ones “catch the bug,” it’s essential to support their continued development.
Finding talent or shaping an athlete is a process that must start with the involvement of a coach, mentor, teacher, or parent.
It’s very rare for children to wake up one day and declare, “I want to be a swimmer/triathlete/Olympian.”
It’s worthwhile to first suggest dreams they might aspire to. What they wake up inspired to pursue the next day—that remains to be seen.
It’s often said that young swimmers give up sports after eight years of training in a club. They burn out. How can we ignite a spark for a new discipline in them?
Agata Litwin-Żurad: Don’t let them burn out.
It’s the responsibility of the swimming coach to introduce the athlete to opportunities for leveraging their developed potential. The coach must support the athlete who is starting to lose motivation. This applies to athletes who, even before the 8th grade, show no promise as medal contenders or express disinterest in continuing with swimming.
An athlete who has poured so much of their heart and life into the pool should not be forcibly kept in swimming without alternatives. They should be inspired and guided by their swimming coach on “what to do next.”
Swimming in Triathlon, Cycling in Triathlon, Running in Triathlon - Explore guides by Robert Filipiak, Wojciech Pożarlik, and Jakub Kimmer.
How can we convince young people that swimming is the best investment in their health and future—including a potential sports career?
Agata Litwin-Żurad: Show them the disciplines they can train in after their swimming career ends. Explain how swimming significantly develops their fitness and serves as a strong foundation for any other sport thanks to the endurance it builds.
What motivates young people and kids to train?
Agata Litwin-Żurad: Ambitious goals must be paired with fun.
How to Choose the Right Sport for Your Child? Read the guide by Anna Guzowska, multiple Polish Championship medalist, member of the national Olympic Taekwondo team, and recently a triathlete.
Can you share the secret to building a great sports team?
Agata Litwin-Żurad: You need an ambitious mentor—someone authentic, committed, and sincere. Next, make the team attractive—with its atmosphere, goals, and purpose. Athletes will join where they feel good, where they are seen and appreciated, and where they can grow and develop.
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Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Managing Editor of AQUA SPEED Magazine
Photos courtesy of: Agata Litwin-Żurad
