Talent and Creativity of Taekwondoists Winners of the 2016 Summer Olympics

Cristina Menescardi, Coral Falco, Antonio Hernández-Mendo and Verónica Morales-Sánchez
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Cristina Menescardi: Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Coral Falco: Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway
Antonio Hernández-Mendo: Department of Social Psychology, Social Anthropology, Social Work and Social Services, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
Verónica Morales-Sánchez: Department of Social Psychology, Social Anthropology, Social Work and Social Services, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Athletic talent and creativity are important for winning bouts in combat sports. The aim of the current study is to analyze technical–tactical actions performed by athletes of the 2016 Summer Olympics according to the outcome (winners and losers) of a given bout. A total of 2374 actions were analyzed. In this mixed-methods study, we used a nomothetic follow-up and multidimensional design. The results showed that winners scored one point through direct attacks to the chest. After scoring, athletes kicked with the back leg. In addition, they performed direct attacks prior to score one point, while cuts occurred after scoring. Three points were scored by spinning techniques and actions to the head, after which they kicked with the front leg. Cuts occurred prior to scoring three points, while direct attacks occurred after scoring. The creativity to score points emerged as a necessary characteristic of taekwondo athletes to win a bout. These results showed technical–tactical implications derived from the last modifications of the regulations of this sport, as well as the necessary adaptation of the athletes’ trainings in preparation for the next Olympic Games. It is suggested that coaches and psychologists train athletes in better decision-making and creative strategic planning in accordance with the successful patterns extracted in this study.

Keywords: martial arts; effectiveness; Olympians; winners (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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