The association of end-spurt behaviour with seasonal best time in long-distance freestyle pool swimming

To analyse the association of seasonal best time, distance and different performance levels with end-spurt behaviour in one swimming season. Race results in 800 and 1500 m pool freestyle swimming in the season 2018/2019 including 14,930 races and 2650 swimmers were obtained. The end-spurt for each race was determined by means of an End-Spurt Indicator (ESI). Subsequently, ESI was used as a dependent variable and influences were analysed using a linear mixed model with fixed effects for seasonal best time, distance, and performance level amongst others. In the 800 and 1500 m races swimmers showed a mean ESI of 2.08 (95% CI: 2.02-2.13) and 3.68 (95% CI: 3.59-3.76), respectively. There was a significant association between seasonal best time and ESI, with a better seasonal best time showing a greater ESI (F = 70.5, P < .001, f(2 )= 0.04). A significant effect on greater ESI was also observed for longer distance (F = 1067.5, P < .001, f(2 )= 0.06) and higher performance level (F = 91.1, P < .001, f(2 )= 0.02). Elite swimmers had a mean ESI of 5.47 (95% CI: 4.91-6.03), sub-elite swimmers of 3.74 (95% CI: 3.53-3.95) and competitive swimmers of 2.41 (95% CI: 2.37-2.46). A more pronounced end-spurt is associated with seasonal best time in long-distance pool swimming, higher performance level of the swimmer and longer race distance.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the association of seasonal best time, distance, and different performance levels with end-spurt behavior in long-distance pool swimming. The results showed that a better seasonal best time, longer race distance, and higher performance level were associated with a more pronounced end-spurt.