Thompson, K. G., Garland, S. W., & Lothia, F. (2006). Interpretation of the physiological monitoring of an international swimmer. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 1, 117-124.

An international level breaststroker was monitored over a three-year period. She was tested on 11 occasions with a standardized step test. Seven testing sessions were conducted three weeks before competing.

Higher race speeds were correlated, but only in a minor way, with blood lactate concentrations of 4, 6, and 8 mmol. Test results and performances fluctuated following periods of overreaching, detraining, and poor nutritional practices. It was advised that lactate measures when taken in relatively close proximity to competing, should be considered alongside other factors (e.g., health, training status) to make informed coaching decisions. The authors caution about generalizing from this one set of results because the observed phenomena are likely to vary between individuals.

Implication. When monitoring physiological factors in individual elite athletes, decisions should be made after a history of detailed measurement sessions, in close proximity to competing, and a variety of factors both physiological and otherwise.

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