Running velocity dynamics in 100 m sprint: comparative analysis of the world top and Estonian top male sprinters

Abstract

Estonian sprint runners have not achieved great success in international title competitions. This study was conducted to analyze their performance in 100m race. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of 100m sprint horizontal velocity dynamics in Estonian top level and world top-level male sprinters. We analyzed: 1) athletesʼ relative running velocity during different phases of the distance; 2) the loss of Estonian sprinters to the world best sprinters during different phases of the distance.
The study compared Estonian Athletics Championships (2006) menʼs 100m sprint final results with Berlin World Athletics Championships (2009) menʼs 100m final results. In both competitions, interval times were measured for the following sections of the race: 0–30m, 30–60m, 60–80m and 80–100m. We found out that Estonian sprintersʼ acceleration ability is relatively better than the other physical abilities necessary for achieving good results in 100m. Estonian sprinters loose most to the world best sprinters during the last part of the distance, 80–100m. However, the difference in running velocity of Estonian sprinters compared to the world best runners is approximately the same in all three last sections of the distance (30–60m, 60–80 and 80–100m).