Health and Elite Sport - Is High Performance Sport a Healthy Pursuit?

This is the first book to critically examine the relationship between participation in high performance sport and health outcomes. Drawing on theory and empirical data from a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, philosophy, political science, developmental psychology, epidemiology, and physical education, the book explores the benefits and detriments of participation in elite sport. Written by a team of leading international researchers, the book examines issues such as talent identification and young athletes, abuse in sport, athlete health in periods of transition, health, sport and the family, and the long-term effects of participation in elite sport.