Physical Environment as a Determinant of Competency-Based Talent Identification Outcomes in Sprinting among Students: The case of the University of Bamenda

This study examined The University of Bamenda physical environment as a determinant of competency-based talent identification outcomes in sprinting among students. Elements of the physical environment considered included the surface of the running track, availability of sprint training equipment (blocks, cones, hurdles,), and adequacy of training space. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A sample of 40 University of Bamenda students was selected using a purposive sampling technique and divided into two groups based on their training environments: relatively adequate physical environment and less relatively adequate physical environment. A pre-test was conducted to establish baseline 100-metre sprint performance time and sprinting competencies (reaction time, acceleration, drive, and finish) before the intervention. The students then underwent an eight-week competency-based sprint training intervention focusing on reaction time, acceleration, drive, and finish phases of sprinting. Post-test measurements were taken at the end of the intervention period.
Findings revealed that students who trained in a relatively adequate physical environment demonstrated greater improvement in 100-metre sprint performance compared to those in a less relatively adequate environment. The average post-test 100-metre time for students in the less relatively adequate environment was 16.2995 ± 0.47157 seconds, compared to 14.9465 ± 0.33620 seconds for those in the relatively adequate environment. Similar trends were observed across all sprinting competencies. Students in relatively adequate environments recorded significantly shorter post-test times in reaction time (0.2405 ± 0.00420 s vs. 0.2905 ± 0.00958 s), acceleration (4.8930 ± 0.10828 s vs. 5.2360 ± 0.13803 s), drive (3.8565 ± 0.13122 s vs. 4.6045 ± 0.17881 s), and finish (4.4965 ± 0.12437 s vs. 4.3500 ± 0.11891 s) compared to their counterparts.
The study concludes that the quality of the physical training environment significantly influences competency-based talent identification outcomes in sprinting. Improved facilities, equipment, and training space enhance sprint performance and the development of key sprinting competencies among university students. The findings underscore the need for universities to prioritize adequate physical environments to support effective talent identification and athlete development in athletics.