In this chapter, we first describe how youth speed skating in general, and talent development in particular, is organized for long track speed skating in the Netherlands. Second, we describe the Groningen Sport Talent Model, in which the development of speed skating performance is explained by a skater's personal underlying performance characteristics, such as physical and psychological skills. This model can be used to gain insight into performance characteristics that distinguish successful skaters who 'make it to the top' in adulthood from those who try but fail to reach excellence. In the third part of the chapter, the model serves as the backbone of an interview with the national coach of the nation's fastest junior speed skaters. In this interview, the value of speed skating performance in the 'here-and-now' is related to the value of underlying personal characteristics for future performance. A discussion follows on how insights herein are currently being implemented in daily practice. Finally, advice for policy-makers, scouts, trainers, and coaches is provided.
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