Models developed in various countries to meet the dual needs for education and training of the highly talented young athlete are examined. It is the policy in socialist countries to bring together the best available resources in young sports talent, coaches, and facilities. Programs are structured to ensure that the youngsters who attend the sports schools can adhere to heavy training schedules, and at the same time obtain an education suited to their aptitude and career objectives. The overall objectives of these elite athletic programs are to develop world class athletes, to further the development of elite coaches, and to balance these with intellectual and social development. A comparison is made between these schools and those of Western Europe and North America where many talented youngsters are excluded from elite sport training because of heavy fees, lack of time, and training costs. Examples are given of attempts in England and France to emulate the socialist balance between development of talent and academic excellence. It is pointed out that countries which successfully combine education and training are more likely to retain the interest of talented young athletes and produce a more socially balanced human being. (JD)