Abstract

Studies of mature, elite swimmers have shown them to be superior in physical and physiological capacities. It might therefore be assumed that differences occur between competitive swimmers and non-competitors in growth and development through adolescence or early post-adolescence. This study sought to examine, using a mixed longitudinal design, whether any growth related differences in physical or physiological characteristics occurred between competitors in intensive swimming training (n=95) and a matched group of non-competitors (n=102). If significant differences occurred this could enable the identification of growth stages when the application of talent identification strategies may be applied. Male and female samples were analysed separately and data were compared at each pubescent stage. It is noteworthy that those measures which discriminate male swimming competitors from non-competitors were dissimilar, in most instances, from the variables which separate talented females. This study shows that certain important measurements for successful swimming performance do not begin to discriminate elite performers until the later stages (stages 4 and 5) of pubescent development. These measures are body composition, chest depth and PWC170 per body mass for males; FVC, leg extension and thigh extension strength for females. Several variables were able to discriminate between the subsamples from as early as pubescent stage 1, however height, body mass and joint mobility could not discriminate between groups up to stage 5. Verf.-Referat