The Role of Gifts and Markers in the Development of Talent

Abstract

Results of a 3-year study of development of talent are presented, with emphasis on the special qualities of Olympic swimmers, pianists, and research mathematicians who attained “world-class” status in their fields prior to the age of 35. Interviews with parents, teachers, and the subjects indicated that these children were perceived as having unusual characteristics relevant to their selected talent fields at an early age. While the parents or teachers attached great significance to these characteristics, it is debatable whether they were inherent gifts or markers used to justify particular courses of action. Each of these characteristics is discussed in some detail. It was concluded that the talent development process and the increasing commitment of these individuals to the talent area, supported by parents and teachers, appear to be the primary determinants of great talent development.