Look at the top athletes in the world and you'll notice they come from a variety of backgrounds. Tiger Woods began specializing at a young age, while Roger Federer only specialized as he started to achieve success later. Why did Federer benefit from a generalist childhood vs. a specialization one? Author David Epstein has focused on the topic for his upcoming book Range. He joins the GAINcast this week to talk about what he has found in the research on early specialization in sports, and as well as in other aspects of life. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: http://www.hmmrmedia.com/2019/05/gaincast-episode-161-range-with-david-epstein/

This episode is brought to you by HMMR Plus and GAIN. Learn more about GAIN 2019 on GAINcast 154. Applications are now open at www.thegainnetwork.com.

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• This month’s HMMR Media site theme is the young athlete. We've already had some good podcasts with Greg Thompson and James Marshall, plus new video content on games and physical eduction with Greg Thompson, and LTAD with Steve Myrland. Join HMMR Plus so that you don't miss out and get full access to our video, article, and podcast archive here on HMMR Media.
• Pick up a copy of Epstein's new book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World starting May 28th. You can also pick up his first book The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, recommended by both Martin and Vern.
• You can follow Epstein on Twitter (@DavidEpstein). Also be sure to sign up for his free monthly newsletter. You can learn more about him on his website.
• We also reference Epstein's chats with Malcolm Gladwell at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. You can watch video of the 2019 conversation and 2014 conversation. We also referenced an interview with former Panera CEO Ron Shaich. You can read about it here and listen to it on the New Yorker podcast.