Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

Abstract

Turn performances are important success factors for short-course races, and more consistent turn times may distinguish between higher and lower-ranked swimmers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine coefficients of variation (CV) and performance progressions (∆%) of turn performances. The eight finalists and eight fastest swimmers from the heats that did not qualify for the semi-finals, i.e., from 17th to 24th place, of the 100, 200, 400, and 800 (females only)/1500 m (males only) freestyle events at the 2019 European Short Course Championships were included, resulting in a total of 64 male (finalists: age: 22.3 ± 2.6, FINA points: 914 ± 31 vs. heats: age: 21.5 ± 3.1, FINA points: 838 ± 74.9) and 64 female swimmers (finalists: age: 22.9 ± 4.8, FINA points: 904 ± 24.5 vs. heats: age: 20.1 ± 3.6, FINA points: 800 ± 48). A linear mixed model was used to compare inter- and intra-individual performance variation. Interactions between CVs, ∆%, and mean values were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed impaired turn performances as the races progressed. Finalists showed faster turn section times than the eight fastest non-qualified swimmers from the heats (p < 0.001). Additionally, turn section times were faster for short-, i.e., 100 and 200 m, than middle- and long-distance races, i.e., 400 to 1500 m races (p < 0.001). Regarding variation in turn performance, finalists showed lower CVs and ∆% for all turn section times (0.74% and 1.49%) compared to non-qualified swimmers (0.91% and 1.90%, respectively). Similarly, long-distance events, i.e., 800/1500 m, showed lower mean CVs and higher mean ∆% (0.69% and 1.93%) than short-distance, i.e., 100 m events (0.93% and 1.39%, respectively). Regarding turn sections, the largest CV and ∆% were found 5 m before wall contact (0.70% and 1.45%) with lower CV and more consistent turn section times 5 m after wall contact (0.42% and 0.54%). Non-qualified swimmers should aim to match the superior turn performances and faster times of finalists in all turn sections. Both finalists and non-qualified swimmers should pay particular attention to maintaining high velocities when approaching the wall as the race progresses.

Short-course performance variation across all race sections: How 100 and 200 m elite male swimmers progress between rounds

“…However, the distance × level interaction clearly revealed faster OUT_5 m times for finalists compared to non-qualified swimmers ( Figures 1 , 2 ; plot D), which confirmed their superior turn skills regardless of the ability to improve further between rounds. Therefore, the best swimmers may take more advantage from the impulse at the wall push-off, i.e., higher force production and/or better body positioning and limb alignment ( 12 , 23 ) compared to the non-qualified swimmers.…”

“…The coefficients of variation (CV) for each race-section were calculated according to Equation (1) . As performed previously ( 9 , 12 , 17 , 18 ), a linear mixed model was applied to estimate means for each race variable (fixed effects), with inter-individual CVs to compare performances of all swimmers in the different rounds, and with intra-individual CVs of each swimmer across the different race distances (i.e., 100 and 200 m) and levels of performance (i.e., finalists and non-finalists) as random effects (modelled as variances). The fixed main effects were the following: level of performance [e.g., finalists ( n = 8), and non-qualified ( n = 8)], lap number (e.g., 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th lap of a 100 m race), and race-section (i.e., Start Time, Split Times, IN_5 m, OUT_5 m, OUT_5–10 m, SR, SL and clean-swimming speed).…”

“…While the aforementioned studies analyzed long-course races, short-course races involve almost twice as many turns and different pacing strategies ( 11 ). To date only one study has focused on performance variation in short-course events ( 12 ). Cuenca-Fernandez and co-workers ( 12 ) analyzed freestyle turn performance and their sub-sections across all race distances (i.e., 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800/1,500 m) in male and female swimmers, and showed that turn times were faster in finalists and short-distance events: finalists’ turn performances were more stable than those of non-qualified swimmers and turn times were slower the longer the distance ( 12 ).…”

“…To date only one study has focused on performance variation in short-course events ( 12 ). Cuenca-Fernandez and co-workers ( 12 ) analyzed freestyle turn performance and their sub-sections across all race distances (i.e., 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800/1,500 m) in male and female swimmers, and showed that turn times were faster in finalists and short-distance events: finalists’ turn performances were more stable than those of non-qualified swimmers and turn times were slower the longer the distance ( 12 ). Performance variation was largest prior to wall contact (IN_5 m), while wall exit variables were more consistent.…”

“…Performance variation was largest prior to wall contact (IN_5 m), while wall exit variables were more consistent. The authors suggest future studies include clean swimming performance and fatigue for a more comprehensive analysis of performance variation across all race sections in short-course events ( 12 ). Analyzing performance variation of clean-swimming speed, SR, and SL in particular, may improve the understanding of pacing patterns in the various sub-sections and help elite swimmers prepare for the specific demands of short-course races.…”