This study examined relationships among achievement motivation, relative age and size of one`s early developmental environment (i.e., as reflected in population) in predicting attainment in a national talent program (i.e., being nominated for advancement in the program). Results indicated no consistent differences in achievement motivation among athletes who were nominated and those who were not. Moreover, relative age effects were noted across the entire sample but no distribution differences were found between the nominated and not-nominated groups. There was some support for the notion that environments that are too large or too small are disadvantageous to athlete development; however, the pattern of results was not entirely consistent with the environment sizes noted by others. Finally, there was no interaction between motivation and relative age or size of early environment. While these factors may be important constraints on the acquisition of athletic skill, they may be too general to predict specific outcomes within one stage of development.
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