nep-spo New Economics Papers
on Sports and Economics
Issue of 2025–01–06
one paper chosen by
Humberto Barreto, DePauw University


  1. The Long-Term Effects of Early Sports Selection By Mehic, Adrian

  1. By: 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.
    Keywords: Sports; Skills; Human capital formation; Academic outcomes; Marriage market
    JEL: I12 J24 L83 Z13 Z22
    Date: 2024–12–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:1513

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