Abstract
The heptathlon comprises the results of seven single disciplines, assuming an equal influence from each discipline, depending on the measured performance. Data analysis was based on the data recorded for the individual performances of the 10 winning heptathletes in the World Athletics Championships from 1987 to 2013 and the Olympic Games from 1988 to 2012. In addition to descriptive analysis methods, correlations, bivariate and multivariate linear regressions, and panel data regressions were used. The transformation of the performances from seconds, centimeters, and meters into points showed that the individual disciplines do not equally affect the overall competition result. The currently valid conversion formula for the run, jump, and throw disciplines prefers the sprint and jump disciplines but penalizes the athletes performing in the 800 m run, javelin throw, and shotput disciplines. Furthermore, 21% to 48% of the variance of the sum of points can be attributed to the performances in the disciplines of long jump, 200 m sprint, 100 m hurdles, and high jump. To balance the effects of the single disciplines in the heptathlon, the formula to calculate points should be reevaluated.
Highlights
Introduction and Theoretical FrameworkThe women’s heptathlon is an additive competition consisting of seven disciplines
By means of bivariate regression calculations—based on standardized performances—we could show that athletes attaining javelin throw, long jump, and shotput perform better than one, two, or three standard deviations compared to the average results achieve the highest increase in points in relative terms
A higher javelin throw result by one standard deviation can lead to a relative performance improvement of 12.5%, whereas an increase by one standard deviation in the 100 m hurdles involves a performance improvement of only approximately 5%
Summary
The women’s heptathlon is an additive competition consisting of seven disciplines. The women perform (in order) the disciplines of 100 m hurdles, high jump, shotput, and a 200 m run on the first day and a long jump, javelin throw, and 800 m run on the second day. The result in points achieved in the seven disciplines based on individual performances is determined by a points system that was changed last in 1985 [1,2]. The idea of the heptathlon implicitly assumes a relative balance of the single disciplines on the overall performance. A conversion formula for the run, jump, and throw disciplines has been developed by Karl Ulbrich and applied for almost. The conversion formula contains the following components:
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