The aim of this paper is to add perspective to the strategic planning process at the start of a new Olympic cycle with a focus on athletes and elite athlete development. After referring to a seven-stage athlete development pathway, the author, an experienced former head coach, outlines strategic and delivery tasks for an effective system. These include a coach development programme based on specialisation for working with athletes as "beginners", "developers" or "high performers" rather than progressing in parallel with the athlete on his/her development pathway. The focus is then turned to the period between junior (U20) competition and the age range for peak performance - 23 to 30 years (men); 24 to 31 (women). A statistical study suggests that the sport as a whole may not be effective in retaining and supporting talented athletes along the pathway to very top-level success: on average, less than 10% of the medallists at any of the six IAAF World Junior Championships in the years 2000 to 2010 were able to make the finals at the London 2012 Olympic Games. After discussing the study results, the author makes 11 recommendations for national federation and IAAF leaders.
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