Abstract: The literature are reviewed to explore the research on the cultivation of competitive sports talents in China. The results show that:The research paradigm of "reality description-problem discovery-measures proposed" is initially formed; The single training mode tends to diversified training mode; The empirical analysis is weak and tends to "differentiated" and "regional" research, but case studies are still immature and lack breadth and depth; The depth of theoretical research is insufficient and lacks in the theoretical support from relevant disciplines and in-depth influencing factors; Research methods are relatively single. Although with multi-dimensions, it gradually turns to the combination of qualitative and quantitative research, and more on quantitative research.Suggestions:Theoretical research should be more on the aspects of basic theory, training subjects and evaluation mechanisms, etc.; More focus should be on the selection of reserve talents for competitive sport, specific events, the integration of sports into education as well as quantified research; Theory should be integrated into practice.