Coach says my 14 year old has 'potential' for the 400m. Potential for what, exactly?

linen_fern_604317 Sept 2026

The PE teacher at my daughter's school wants her to join an athletics academy. Training is at a stadium 35 minutes from us, 5.45 am, four days a week. She came home very excited. When I asked what 'potential' means, I got a speech about discipline. No times, no meets, no idea what the next two years look like. She is in class 9 and the board year is next. If your child trained in athletics at this age, what did the actual path look like? What should I be asking before I agree to the early mornings?

2 comments

quiet_hammock_932417 Sept 2026
Ask for her current 400m time and what the district qualifying time is. Then you'll know how far off she is and whether it's a one-year or three-year thing.
citrus_quilt_375118 Sept 2026
ask him how many of his current group reached state level in the last two years. if he can't answer quickly, that's your answer.
- linen_fern_604318 Sept 2026
  Fair question. I sent it to him yesterday. He named two girls and a meet, which is more than I expected. Still 5.45 am, still four days. Going to watch one session before deciding.