Selection Process
No two sports are same and hence, the same methodology cannot be replicated in the same form for different sports. Having established that, it can be said that there are some basic tenets that can be followed and adapted according to the sport (or sportsperson) being analysed.
At OGQ, in line with our mission of supporting athletes to win Olympic Gold medals, we are primarily trying to judge if a certain athlete has that potential. We can accomplish this through a Quantitative analysis (fact-based) or Qualitative one (opinion-based) or as it often happens – a mix of both.
Quantitative Indicators
The primary objective of Quantitative analysis is to check Capability and Consistency.
Capability
Whether the athlete has displayed the capability to break into the top X in the world and whether he/she is a genuine medal contender at the current moment.
This is basically done by looking at historical performances in international competitions which have a similar level of competition as the Olympics.
The second part is tricky as it is not easy to establish whether a competition is close to Olympics in competition or performance standards. One needs to look at the competition through the years and either compare the winning scores/standards against Olympics or determine how many top athletes participate in that competition.
Consistency
It is not enough for an athlete to have the capability of beating the world’s best; he/she must do that again and again and show consistency in performance. In the absence of this parameter, we would be unable to determine if it was a one-time wonder or potential talent.
We can rate the athlete on this parameter by measuring variability across his/her performances in the recent past (measured through variance or standard deviations in case “scores” of some kind are available – such as in athletics, shooting etc.). There are often two components of variability in any performance: Extrinsic and Intrinsic. Extrinsic variability refers to the change that comes because of a change in the environment and hence, cannot be attributed to the athlete. Intrinsic variability is the change in an athlete’s performance attributable to him/her and hence, the measure of his/her consistency.
Qualitative indicators
OGQ Research Team will also talk to the Coaches, trainers and physios associated with the athlete under consideration to look into qualitative aspects about the athlete like discipline, dedication, commitment and fierce desire to win.
Another key aspect while researching an athlete is if OGQ can make a difference to the performance to the athlete in terms of technical support by providing best coaches and access to best training facilities, world class equipment, doctors, physios and mental trainers from the OGQ panel of experts. Only if OGQ genuinely believes that a significant impact can be created to help the athlete challenge for an Olympic gold medal, then the decision can be taken to support an athlete.