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The Long-Term Effects of Early Sports Selection

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  • Mehic, Adrian

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN))

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term effects of early sports selection using a regression discontinuity design. I show that Swedish track and field athletes who qualified for a one-time appearance with the junior national team at age 17 are less likely to quit sports and more likely to improve their performance. Several years later, although few make a living from sports, selected athletes have earned more college credits and are more successful on the marriage market. I show that early sports selection fosters grit and resilience, leading to lower dropout rates and positive spillovers in other areas of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehic, Adrian, 2024. "The Long-Term Effects of Early Sports Selection," Working Paper Series 1513, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:1513
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sports; Skills; Human capital formation; Academic outcomes; Marriage market;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • Z22 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - Labor Issues

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