Aylin Post (PhD) is an expert in talent development and elite performance pathways with nine years of applied experience in high-performance sport. From 2017 to 2023, she worked as a sport scientist for the Dutch national swimming team (KNZB), while completing her PhD research on the pathway to swimming expertise. In this dual role, she bridged scientific evidence and daily high-performance coaching practice. She currently works as a Talent Development Expert for the Royal Dutch Volleyball Federation, focusing on the development of athlete-centred, evidence-informed talent systems.

Why do some talented swimmers reach the world stage while others do not? Drawing on longitudinal research tracking physical, mental, technical, tactical, and performance development, this talk reveals the characteristics and developmental patterns of (Dutch) swimmers who stay on track for elite success. Coaches will gain evidence-based insights to better identify potential and guide athletes throughout their development journey.