Succeeding as an elite athlete.
Spotted at an early age - probably less than 10 years old - as someone with exceptional potential.
Slowly acquire (or actually have foisted upon you) medics, training staff, training schedules, dieticians, sports psychologists etc.
By the age of 14 you are starting to compete in top level events and often winning.
By the age of 16 you are identified as a games (Commonwealth, Olympics etc) medal prospect
You become a financial asset - many owe their livelihoods to your efforts, sponsors and funding need to be wooed. Media need to be managed.
You finally make it to the very top of your chosen sport and are the odds on favourite for gold.
The pressure continues to increase - and one day the barely adult can no longer cope.
Some thrive. Some cope. Some can't.
Is this is explotation (of a child) or an opportunity to make the most their talents - disrupt their education, compromise relationships and interpersonal skills, promote truly obsessive behaviours, subject them to both physical and emotional stress.
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