The Pure Athlete Podcast PA Replay: Dr Neeru Jayanthi: Research Expert on Youth Sports Specialization
Aug 5, 2025
Dr. Neeru Jayanthi, Director of Emory Sports Medicine and a renowned injury prevention expert, shares valuable insights on youth sports specialization. He discusses the risks of high-intensity sports on young athletes’ bodies and the fine balance of early specialization versus multi-sport participation. Jayanthi emphasizes the importance of free play to foster creativity and enjoyment, while offering practical load management advice tailored to age. His research highlights the significant differences in injury propensity between male and female athletes, advocating for a thoughtful approach to training.
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Dr. Jayanthi's Personal Impact
- Dr. Neeru Jayanthi treated Britt Lee's son through four major sports injuries over three and a half years.
- He provided not only medical care but also guidance and counseling during scary moments.
Early Single-Sport Training Risks
- Early research linked single-sport training in youth tennis to higher injury rates.
- This spurred broader research and awareness about the risks of early specialization in youth sports.
Youth Specialization as Public Health Issue
- About 20 million youth specializing in a single sport face increased injury and drop-out risks.
- This is a large-scale public health issue affecting more kids than major professional leagues combined.
