Análisis de la capacidad explicativa de las pruebas de detección de talento en el rendimiento en competición de jóvenes triatletas

Abstract

The aim of this study is determine the relationship between the talent detection tests conducted by the Spanish Federation of Triathlon (FETRI) and the results in the Spanish Championship of the same year. The sample was composed by 489 federated triathletes (342 men, 147 women, 271 junior y 218 cadet). The independent variables were the four test included in the talent detection program conducted by the FETRI: 100 metres freestyle swimming, 1000m freestyle swimming, 400m running and 1000m running and the dependent variable were the place finish in the Spanish Championship of Triathlon. An analysis of variance components (p<0.05), by least squares procedure (Varcomp) and maximum likelihood (GLM) was implemented, and an analysis of generalizability was performed. The results show a significant model (p=0.0251) and three variables are significant in explaining of the final position in the Spanish Championship of Triathlon (100 and 1000 metres swimming and 1000 metres running), yet none of their interactions is significant, well as the 400 metres running. The levels of reliability (e2 = 1) and generalizability (Φ = 1) of the model are excellent. In conclusion, the result in the Spanish Championship not find a satisfactory explanation through the talent detection tests conducted by the Spanish Federation a possible solution would be to keep the tests have shown a high explanatory power, and replace those that don't have that ability by performing other test closer to the model of triathlon performance.