The world of sport often seems to be full of promising youngsters who have been honing their skills from an astonishingly young age, allowing them to rise to dizzying heights early in their sporting careers. However, this isn’t the case for everyone who goes on to become successful in their chosen sport.
There are also what’s known as ‘late boomers’. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between early and late bloomers, and the factors that help late bloomers achieve success – albeit at a slower rate, as well as some famous examples.
Late Bloomers vs Early Stars
Early stars are those who show promise, potential and skill from a young age. These sporting stars often begin training early in life, and who quickly achieve recognition and success in their field.
Late bloomers, on the other hand, come to sport a little later. They may be inspired after watching an Olympic performance or a football match, and only then discover their passion and talent.
Some differences between early stars and late bloomers can be accounted for by physical maturity. We all mature at different rates, and maturation plays a significant role in sports performance, whether due to being stronger, being able to move faster or thinking quicker.
However, other factors separate early and late bloomers too. Many late bloomers find their chosen sport themselves, rather than being encouraged into it by parents or coaches. They may even play the field – trying out a few different sports before choosing the one they find most enjoyable and where they feel most at home.
Sometimes, late bloomers just aren’t mentally ready to commit to a sport or to the intensive training involved until they’re older. They may have other things they want to achieve first, whether in education or their personal lives or might lack the focus and discipline required until they’re more mature.
Factors That Lead Late Bloomers to Rise
Multiple factors lead late bloomers to find success despite not having the advantage of an early start in their sporting careers, including:
Consistency
Consistency is the number one factor that can help an individual achieve success in any arena and far outweighs natural talent any day. Budding sports stars who are willing to show up, do the work and train hard are far more likely to find success than those who rely on natural skill or talent alone.
Confidence
Having the confidence to not give up and the self-belief to keep going in the face of setbacks, injuries and rejections is key to finding success as a late bloomer.
Support
Having the support of family and friends, as well as the backing of your teammates, peers and coaches can make all the difference to late bloomers. Having people who recognise your potential and encourage you to chase your dreams can give late bloomers the encouragement they need to push through barriers.
Notable Late Bloomers in Football
Football is one sport where there are many examples of late bloomers. These players have achieved high levels of success playing for top teams, despite a late start or knockbacks early in their careers.
The list includes Mo Salah, who achieved success at an early age playing for Egypt but whose senior career got off to a slow start due to limited game time, until he signed a record transfer deal, joining Liverpool in 2017.
Croatian footballer Dado Prso was still a mechanic in his early 20s but would go on to make his international debut for Croatia at 29 and score in the Champions League aged 30. Arguably the most notable example is Jamie Vardy who was let go from the Sheffield Wednesday youth team at 16, before being bought by Leicester City at the age of 24 and going on to become the oldest Golden Boot winner of the English Premier League at 33.