Structural and developmental characteristics of Japanese elite athletes: a longitudinal case study of a talent identification and development programme in Fukuoka prefecture

Elite attainment within the L-TID programme, targeting a cohort with superior athletic ability, is predominantly influenced by structural and developmental factors (female participation and late specialisation) rather than by initial RAE or physical attributes. These findings support talent development strategies that foster diverse sporting experiences and deliberate talent transfer, highlighting a shift away from early RAE and physical-based selection towards more holistic and adaptive developmental approaches reflecting the Japanese sporting and social context.