Talent Identification Predicting in Athletics: A Case Study in Indonesia

Background. The importance of predicting talents in children is so that hidden sports talents have opportunities to be developed. Objectives. This study aims to predict the talent level of children 12-15 years old in athletics. Methods. The research used the ex-post facto descriptive method. The population is 507 children, consisting of 283 boys and 224 girls in two cities, Salatiga City and Lombok City. Samples were selected by random cluster sampling. The instrument uses ten kinds of predictive tests, including height, weight, the span of the arm, length of leg, sit & reach, standing broad jump, 40 m sprint, 10-second step frequency, shaken, and 800 m run. Data collection techniques using talent prediction tests. Data analysis using Criterion-Referenced Standards. Results. The results showed that there were 17 children (2%) in the very talented category, 30 children (9%) talented, 91 children (16.5%) moderately gifted, and 349 children (72.5%) under-talented. Predict test results from Salatiga showed that there were four talented in sprint and jump, two talented in jump, and one expert in throw numbers. The distribution of talent shown from Lombok is five proficient in sprint and jump, three capable in a sprint, and two talented in throw numbers. Talent identification prediction tests are proven to predict the potential talent of children in athletics. The cities of Salatiga and Lombok are the centers of athletic seedlings that are used as benchmarks for achievement. Conclusion. This test can predict the level of athletic talent in children aged 12-15 years old.