HEIGHT IS IMPORTANT FOR AGE-GROUP SPRINT SWIMMING

Simmons, S. E., Pettibone, A. J., & Stager, J. M. (2002). Determinants of sprint swim performance in adolescent swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 151.

Cross-sectional data were collected over five years from age-group sprint swimming camp attendees (M = 103; F = 105).

Height and weight were significantly related to times in 50 and 100-yd freestyle for males. Only height was related to 100-yd performance in females. Age correlated to swim performance but age was not related to height or weight. Skinfold measures did not correlate with performance.

Implication. Height is an important attribute for age-group sprint swimming. Weight and skinfolds (fat) are not related, which makes sense since the sport is weight supported.

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