Abstract des Autors

We have modelled the individual maximum velocity (Vmax) vs race distance (RD) relationships in elite swimmers engaged in the four Olympic styles (free style: N = 34; butterfly: N = 12; backstroke: N = 10; breaststroke: N = 12). Vmax data were derived from the best performances obtained by each athlete on various distances up to 4 years of career. The following model was used: Vmax = a/logRd + b. Coefficient a varied among subjects and for different styles but within each athlete remained constant over the years. Actual improvements in performance were modelled for any single athlete by increase in coefficient b. This increase varied among subjects averaging 5% of initial value in 4 years. Coefficients a could be related to the specific endowment of a swimmer for a given race distance, defined as Best Race Distance (BRD). The latter was established by rating the individual performances on various race distances with the FIN Table. The present study is proposed as a tool to model the training program of a swimmer as it allows to early define the race disstance best suited to any single athlete and the reasonable athletic targets over several years of competitive swimming. Verf.-Referat