The Netherlands placed sixth at the latest Olympic games is Paris (figure 1) which is an outstanding performance considering that they are only the 71th biggest country in the world. How can such a small country be so good in sports? and all the money spent on top sport, is it really worth it? Senior researcher Topsport from Mulier instituut Lisanne Balk answers this and other questions concerning this topic.

What are the main factors contributing to the succes on the latest olympics?

“The most important factor is the top sport policy in the Netherlands. This is a sharp policy executed by NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Comity*Dutch Sport Federation. Thereby, relatively a lot of money goes to successful sports where the expectation is high to achieve medals. Another factor is  the centralized infrastructure which is a strong point. Holland has five ‘Team NL’sport-campuses and at these locations the best athletes train together. This means that the level of training is really high. This centralized provision of the best sports facilities in one place is only possible in a country like the Netherlands because it is so small.”

(Figure 1)

Is there a cause relation between the amount of money spend and the performance of athletes in top sport?

“In the Netherlands yes, this is based on research. Of course it depends on what you spend it on but more money means better facilities and coaches which helps improve athletes. We have seen that increasing investments in sports have led to better performance. Conversely, we do not have this experience but it is likely that performance will then be reduced.”

All that money being spent on top sport, is it really worth it?

“If you compare the contribution to sports with other expenses such as health care, the contribution is really minimal. But what is spent is well worth it. If you compare the contribution to sports to other cost items such as health care, the contribution is really minimal. But what is spent is well worth it.  That pot of money that goes specifically into top sport is for a very small group. There are really only about a thousand of them and only those top athletes have any benefit. But the impact of good sports performances on society should not  underestimated! Much research has been done into the social value of top-level sport. The positive value, first of all and it provides a lot of entertainment for a lot of people. There are a lot of people who regularly watch sports on TV or attend games and if the Dutch national soccer team plays a game, the whole country is upside down. Besides that it brings people together and a contributes to a sense of pride that we all belong together.”

What makes the Netherlands special when looking at other countries?

“The club structure in the Netherlands is unique. This allows children from an early age to get acquainted with sports in an accessible way and to discover what they like and what they are good at. Furthermore, the Netherlands is a small country which gives an advantage because it is conveniently arranged. It is easier to create the best conditions in a central place. Finally, the Netherlands is very much into sports, top sports and attending sports competitions. The desire to get medals is in the Dutch mentality.”