Nearly half of elementary and junior high school student-athletes surveyed in
Taiwan say training and competitions have caused them to fall behind in their
studies.

A survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation also found nearly 30 percent
were still required to do high-intensity training while injured.

Two-thirds said their longest weekday training sessions lasted more than
three hours, while some reported training for eight hours or more in a single
day on weekends.

More than half said they remained physically exhausted even after getting
enough rest.

And one in five had been hospitalized, undergone surgery or received
long-term rehabilitation because of sports injuries.

The foundation says a heavy focus on competitive results can come at the
expense of students' health and education.

It's calling for stricter enforcement of rules on training hours and leave,
along with greater support for young athletes and more career guidance.

(IG)