Olympic Cycle Research Articles

Prediction model and technical and tactical decision analysis of women's badminton singles based on machine learning.

In the Paris Olympic cycle, South Korean women's athlete An Se-young rose to the top of the 2023 BWF Olympic points with a win rate of 89.5%. With An Se-young as the subject, this paper aims to carry out technical and tactical analysis of women's badminton singles and formulate a prediction model based on machine learning. Firstly, An's technical and tactical statistics are analyzed and presented in a proposed "three-stage" data classification method. Secondly, we improve our "three-stage" machine learning dataset using video analysis of 10 matches (21 point games) where An Se-young faced off against four other players ranked in the top five of the World Badminton Federation (BWF) in week 44 of 2023. Finally, we establish a prediction model for the scoring and losing of points in the women's badminton singles based on the 'Decision tree', 'Random forest', 'XGBoost', 'Support vector' and 'K-proximity' algorithms, and analyze the effectiveness of this model. The results show that the improved data classification is reasonable and can be used to predict the final score of a match. When the support vector machine uses the RBF function kernel, the accuracy reaches its highest at 87.5%, and the consistency of this prediction model is strong. An's playstyle is sustained and unified; she does not seek continuous pressure, but rather exploits and maximizes her aggression following any mistake made by her opponents, immediately utilizing assault methods such as kills or dives, often resulting in the conversion of points during the subsequent 2-3 strikes.

Сучасні аспекти формування збірних команд у баскетболі

The main factor in the development of team game sports, including basketball, is the presence of globalization, professionalization and commercialization processes, which significantly affects the performance of national teams in the most important international starts. Changes in the system of competitive basketball activities have led to a significant expansion of the system of international competitions, which requires from coaches a reasonable approach to the formation of national teams as a basis for successful performance in the Games of the Olympics and World Championships. Material and Methods. The study analyzed the competitive performance of 21 men's and 19 women's national basketball teams that participated in the Olympic Games and World Championships from 1936 to 2020. In order to determine the peculiarities of the formation of national teams in basketball, we analyzed the data of 264 players (men and women) who became medalists of the Olympic Games in the period from 1976 to 2024. Results. The results of the study indicate that the main leaders in modern basketball are the USA men's and women's national teams with the highest percentage of winning medals in the Olympics (31.7% and 30.5%) and World Championships (21.0% and 24.6%). The main focus of the formation of the USA national teams for participation in the Olympic Games coaches - the availability of experience in international competitions (the number of Olympic cycles that the athlete spent as a member of the national team) and the age of athletes. Based on the performance of the men's and women's teams, a trend of increasing number of athletes over the age of 32 is identified, where the maximum value for men (5 players) is observed in 2024 and for women (4) in 2016. Conclusions. The analysis of basketball development shows that the use of modern international experience in the rational formation of national teams allowed to establish that the integral component is the age of players, professional experience of participation in international competitions as part of the national team, as well as the universalization of player training. At this stage of basketball development, there is a tendency to increase the age of female athletes who are members of national teams, which provides an effective rotation over several Olympic cycles

THE INFLUENCE OF CHANGES IN COMPETITION RULES ON TACTICS OF WEIGHT CATEGORY CHOICE IN WRESTLING

The article presents the types and specifics of tactics of the weight category choice in women’s, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In modern scientific papers participation tactics of athletes in the competition system is covered fragmentally. Moreover, tactics of weight category choice is not described at all. We analyzed the dynamics of performances and results of 72 elite wrestlers who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Games of XXXI Olympiad 2016 in Rio de Janeiro in different weight categories (four athletes in each one). In general, we compared the results of 24 women, 24 freestyle and 24 Greco-Roman wrestlers. There were discovered eight types of tactics which athletes used during four seasons in 2013–2016 Olympic cycle. Some types provided performances only in one Olympic weight category, while others were connected with participation in tournaments in two or even three weight categories during the same season. In all cases elite wrestlers used one weight category (mainly an Olympic one) as prior, while one or two weight categories were considered as additional. We established that the choice of the particular weight category depended on the specifics of the Olympic qualification system-2016, the prospects of obtaining the Olympic quota place in the International Qualification Tournaments and the results demonstrated at official international events in various weight categories. It was also discovered that in 2013 and 2016 the most popular was a tactics that involved performances in one prior Olympic weight category (70.83% of wrestlers used it). In 2014 and 2015 some athletes (1.39–11.11%) performed in the prior weight category and used one or two of them as additional. The largest number of tactics was used by representatives of women’s and freestyle wrestling as the upper limits of weight categories were changed more than in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Physical fitness metrics and their relationship to locomotor activity profiles among female international field hockey players across an Olympic cycle

ObjectivesThe study explored the correlations between physical fitness metrics and match locomotor activity profiles. Furthermore exploring the transformations of both fitness tests as well as match locomotor activities over an Olympic cycle. DesignObservational descriptive study. MethodsFitness testing (n = 24) and match locomotor activity (n = 102) profiles were collected. A Pearson's product-moment correlation and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to determine relationships between metrics for each year. A mixed-effects model was used for repeated measures to identify differences in the physical fitness tests and match locomotor activity profiles between years. ResultsThe YoYo intermittent reocvery testest level 1 changed significantly (p < 0.0001) and accounted for 29 % of the variance in average speed (p < 0.001, rrm (59) = 0.54) Upper and lower body muscular strength, also improved, evidenced by the 3RM bench press (p < 0.0001), and a 28 % (2017–2019) increase in 3RM squat (p < 0.0001). Also pull-ups increased from 4.2 ± 2.8 pull-ups (2017) to 10.0 ± 3.1 pull-ups (2020) (p < 0.0001) and. countermovement jump height increased over the study duration (p < 0.0001). Match total distances remained unchanged, while average speed increased significantly (p < 0.0001). High-speed running distance (p < 0.0003) and sprint counts (p < 0.0001), showed significant improvements over the study period. ConclusionsThe study underscores noteworthy improvements in physical attributes and performance metrics over an Olympic cycle. Contributing valuable insights for enhancing athletic performance in hockey players competing in the Olympics.

Adaptation to Change: A Case Study of a Sailor Who Experienced Multiple Career-Change Events and Became a World Champion

This case study describes the adaptation process of a female sailor experiencing several career-change events and transitions. Qualitative data were collected longitudinally as part of a sport psychology consultation process. Data analysis was guided by the meta-model of adaption in sport. Along two Olympic cycles (i.e., Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), the athlete experienced multiple changes. These included two transitions between sailing classes, teaming up with a partner, long training camps, an injury, the coronavirus pandemic, and competing in major championships. Transition demands included building team cohesion and developing self-efficacy and mental strength. The athlete exhibited successful and poor adaptation. The applied work facilitating her successful adaptation is presented. Her adaptation ability developed as she progressed in her career, en route to becoming a world champion. These findings provided initial applied-practice support for the meta-model of adaption in sport.

Editorial 1-2024 englisch

The Swiss abuse in sport scandal is now almost four years old. That is a long time, one might say. It probably depends on the point of view. To an athlete experiencing breaches of safeguarding in his or her daily sporting environment, this will most definitely feel like a lifetime. To sports federations, this timeline may be more familiar and acceptable, akin to an Olympic cycle. What is it to you?

Behavior of female judo weight divisions on approach and grip phases in different judo rules: The top 20 athletes from the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles

In judo combat, the approach and gripping phases play a crucial role in determining victory, and it is believed that they can be influenced by the current rules. The objective of this study was to compare the technical-tactical actions executed by female judokas in the approach and gripping subphases during international competitions held in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles, which featured different rules. We analyzed 1332 combat videos from the top 20 female judo athletes in the world rankings. These videos were equally distributed across weight divisions in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats per cycle). The athletes in the 2020 cycle spent more time executing approach actions without contact with the judogi (formless: 2020 = 26.9; 2016 = 21.3 s; p < 0.001) and less time attempting grips (2020 = 24.6; 2016 = 31.2 s; p < 0.001) than the 2016 athletes. Additionally, the 2020 athletes spent less time on one-handed grips (left collar: 2020 = 7.1; 2016 = 7.9 s; p = 0.017; right sleeve: 2020 = 4.6; 2016 = 5.6 s; p = 0.018; left sleeve: 2020 = 4.7; 2016 = 5.2 s; p = 0.031) compared to the 2016 athletes. In both Olympic cycles, athletes devoted the most time to traditional grips (left collar right sleeve: 2016 = 12.3 ± 19.9; 2020 = 12.2 ± 17.5; right collar left sleeve: 2016 = 11.5 ± 20.6; 2020 = 12.3 ± 19.9 s). Differences in the approach subphases between Olympic cycles had varying impacts on different weight divisions (formless = 52 kg, 57 kg, 78 kg; right anteroposterior = 52 kg, 57 kg, 70 kg; grip attempts = 57 kg, 63 kg, 70 kg, 78 kg, >78 kg; p < 0.05), as did changes in grip types (right collar; left collar; left sleeve = 70 kg; right sleeve = >78 kg; right dorsal = 63 kg; left dorsal = 63 kg, 78 kg; right collar left sleeve = 48 kg, 52 kg; right dorsal left sleeve = 78 kg; right dorsal left collar = 48 kg, 70 kg; right dorsal left dorsal = 48 kg, 63 kg; p < 0.05). There were notable technical-tactical shifts in the behavior of female athletes between the Olympic cycles with different rules, and these findings should be taken into account for specialized training in female judo.

Now what? An assessment of perceived legacies post-Olympic cycle

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the post-event perceptions of Rio de Janeiro residents regarding the legacies left to them from hosting the 2016 Olympic Games. Additionally, this study examines how perceptions of Olympic legacies differed amongst demographic groups.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a mixed-methods approach, participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire and answer three open-ended questions. An adapted version of Fredline et al. (2003)'s General Scale to Measure Social Impacts (GSMSI) was selected for this study. In total, 156 useable responses were collected. An exploratory factor analysis was utilized for the survey items while the three open-ended questions were coded abductively as positive, negative or mixed feelings.FindingsThe quantitative results shows that Rio residents believe that hosting the 2016 Olympic Games had a mostly negative impact on their perception of legacies. Through reading open-ended responses, participants expressed disappointment over the legacies left to them. These findings suggest that hosting the Olympic Games may not have been beneficial to the life of Rio de Janeiro residents, and it may have been particularly worse for members of the middle class.Originality/valueDue to the recency of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a few studies have explored the long-term legacies left to the local population. However, the uniqueness of this study lays on the perceptions of legacies from hosting the Rio 2016 after a full Olympic cycle has passed.

Strategic management potential for process alignment in Cuban sports government organizations

The strategic alignment allows coordinating objectives, processes, resources, personnel and critical factors in order to make decision making viable, in addition, it allows aligning processes with the organization's strategy. The objective of the research is: to evaluate the strategic alignment between the processes and the strategic objectives in the Matanzas Provincial Sports Directorate. Tools such as: brainstorming, Kendall's Method, SWOT Matrix, Hierarchical Analytical Process were used. As results, the calculation of the strategic alignment index were obtained with a value of 7.13 and the index of alignment of relevant processes with 6.46, finding that organization is located in the first quadrant of the matrix, which means that the processes of the sports organization are aligned with the strategic objectives, 11 actions are recommended to mitigate the deficiencies detected and to continue with the deployment of the strategy for the Olympic cycle, which shows that the strategic alignment helps collaboration within the sports organization.

Olympic cycle periodicity in women's long and triple jumping performance between 1996 and 2019.

Performance variability is present in a series of competition results in athletics. Some of the variability is random and some can be attributed to factors such as the environment and changes in the level of physical, mental, and technical states of the athlete. Changes in the state of the athlete may be due to the competition schedule. It has been shown that there is periodicity in performance aligned with the seasonal competition schedule in athletics and with the Olympic cycle in pooled athletics data dating from 1896 to 2008. We investigated whether Olympic cycle periodicity was present in modern era long and triple jumping in elite men and women. Top 50 performances per year in the horizontal jumps in men and women from 1996 to 2019 were used. Each performance was normalized to the best result from the previous Olympic year. Two-way ANOVAs revealed significantly lower mean normalized performances in top ten women compared to top ten men (p < 0.001) in both jumps. In both jumps, ten top-performing women also showed decreases between the Olympic year mean normalized performances and the 1st year following (Long Jump: p = 0.022, Triple Jump: p = 0.008). In triple jump, the decrease in performance was also found in the second year following the Olympics. Performances deciles ranked from 11th to 50th place showed a similar pattern in women's triple jump but only for ranks 11 to 20 in the women's long jump. The findings suggest that periodicity driven by the Olympic cycle exists in women's long and triple jump at the elite level.

Analysis of the features of olympic qualification systems in combat sports

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of current qualification systems in combat sports. It was established that the International Sports Federations (ISF) develops the Olympic qualification systems and specific criteria for athletes to obtain licenses. The structure and content of these systems may differ in each Olympic cycle. In 2021-2024 cycle, qualification at the Olympics in combat sports is possible in two ways: through the athlete's position in the official ISF ranking or by demonstrating a certain result at qualifying tournaments.&#x0D; In taekwondo, judo and fencing it is possible to obtain "direct" qualification for the Olympic Games through the official ISF ranking or demonstration of a certain result at the qualifying tournament ("tournament of last hope" for participants from NOCs who have not yet obtained an Olympic license). The possibility of qualifying in team depends on its high place in the official ISF team ranking. If a certain team could not qualify through to the world ranking, its members are able to do it only in individual events (by individual qualification).&#x0D; For boxing and wrestling, qualification to the Olympic Games is possible by certain result in special tournaments or "tournaments of last hope" (for participants from NOCs who have not yet obtained an Olympic license). The range of weight categories in which athletes may participate is almost equal for men and women.&#x0D; The differences in the Olympic qualification systems for the 2024 XXIII Games in Paris are its duration, the ownership of the obtained license (personal or for the NOC), the number of types of competitions, the presence of different rankings (world, continental, Olympic, individual, team).

MANAGERIAL STUDY ON PERFORMANCE LEVEL WITHIN CSS - SPECIALIZATION IN WINTER SPORTS (HARGHITA COUNTY)

ABSTRACT. The study of management research of the educational system of performance in winter sports in Harghita County presents a spreadsheet situation for an Olympic cycle period with medal results for winter sports – biathlon, ice hockey, figure skating, cross-country skiing. The goal of the research consists in identifying the most valuable results in the given sport through SWOT analysis. The hypothesis of the research starts out from the presupposition that through a sport management analysis based on a progress rate, according to the evolution during the Olympic cycle, there can be chosen from the CSS M-Ciuc young athletes who can reach the III-IV stage of training at national and international performance level. We believe that on the basis of results, through the use of a specially proposed, age-adapted training program optimal high level performance can be reached. We propose a SWOT analysis for every winter sport apart in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses within the activity of organizational structures, as well as opportunities and the causes that threaten from the outside the activity conducted by the managers of the ISJ Harghita.

BODY DIFFICULTIES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ROUTINES

The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the diversity and variety of body difficulty elements in individual routines of elite rhythmic gymnasts that competed at the 2013 and 2014 Lisbon World Cup; (2) to compare these characteristics across different ranking groups; (3) to identify and hierarchize the variables that most contribute to the success in the difficulty score in competition. 288 routines were analyzed based on difficulty, according to the 2013-2016 Code of Points. The gymnasts were divided into three groups according to their ranking routine. For statistical analyses, Kruskal-Wallis’ and Mann-Whitney’s non-parametric tests, Pearson Correlation and multiple regression were used. Among all body difficulties, the rotation elements were the group with the most variety, while jump elements had the least variety. Gymnasts tend to use the same jumps, balance elements and rotations in all their routines. The gymnasts in the finals (finalists) presented a higher number of complex elements (mixed and multiple difficulties) than the other groups. However, the best gymnasts showed a lower variety in the choice of body difficulties. Their routines focused on rotation elements and number of turns. Lower occurrences of balance and jump elements were verified. We identified the following hierarchy of importance of the variables that contribute to the success in the difficulty score: value of rotations; value of jumps; value of balance elements and value of mixed difficulties. Therefore, the rotation elements presented a higher importance in the routines in RG in the Olympic cycle 2013-2016.

The effects of weight categories on the time-motion analysis of female high-level judo athletes between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles.

This study compared the time of female judo combat phases in international competitions between two Olympic cycles (2016; 2020) according to weight divisions (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats/cycle). The behaviors of 1,332 high-level female judo combats were randomly observed over two Olympic cycles (2016 = 666; 2020 = 666) from the top 20 athletes in the world ranking by weight division. We performed time-motion analysis according to the combat phase and sequential judo actions (approach, gripping, attack, defense, groundwork, pause, and effort: pause ratio) considering the moment when the combat ended (Regular time = RT; Golden score = GS). The weight division groups were compared between Olympic cycles (2016; 2020), and p < 0.05 was defined as significant. The main results showed that 2020 athletes spent less time in the gripping (p = 0.005), attack (p < 0.001), defense (p < 0.001), groundwork (p<0.001) and pause (p = 0.002) phases than 2016 athletes. However, compared by the end-of-combat, 2020 female athletes spent less time in all combat phases for RT combats (p < 0.001), and more time in the approach phase for GS combats (p < 0.05) than in 2016. The 2016 weight divisions showed a higher diversity in the effort: pause ratio (2.5:1-3.4:1), whereas the 2020 weight divisions had values closer to each other (2.8,1-3:1). Analyzing each weight division separately and by the end-of-combat, the main results showed that (p < 0.05): 48, 63, 70, and 78 kg reduced the time in almost every phase of RT combat (except for: 63 kg = gripping and attack; 70 kg = approach and groundwork; 78 kg = approach); 48 and 57 kg increased the groundwork time in GS combats whereas 78 kg decreased; 52 kg and 78 kg increased the GS approach time. The temporal behavior of the combats changed between the Olympic cycles with different rules. These data must be considered to understand the characteristics of each group and to prescribe specialized training in female judo.

Context Dependent Trade-offs In Body Size Within Olympic Sports

There are context dependent trade-offs in body size observed among elite runners. Elite runners who complete in longer distances exhibit smaller body size (height, mass, and body mass index [BMI]) compared to elite runners who compete in shorter distances. However, it is unclear if this trade-off in metrics of body size is observed in elite freestyle swimming or cycling. PURPOSE: To compare metrics of body size between shorter and longer distance events of male and female athletes who competed in running, swimming, or cycling events in the London 2012 Summer Olympics. METHODS: Using univariate analyses of variance, metrics of body size of male and female athletes were analyzed across event distances within each sport. Data were included for 1,030 runners (518 males; 512 females), 661 swimmers (322 males; 339 females), and 379 cyclists (241 males; 138 females). RESULTS: Males were taller (P < 0.001), heavier (P < 0.001), and had a larger BMI (P < 0.001) across all sports, events and distances compared with females, with no observed sex-related interactions (P > 0.05). Runners competing in longer event distances (1500 m or longer) had smaller body size than runners competing in shorter event distances (800 m or shorter) (height, mass, and BMI, P < 0.001 for all). There was no difference in BMI between swimmers competing in longer (400 m or longer) compared to shorter event distances (200 m or shorter) for males (P = 0.107) or females (P = 0.578). However, shorter distance swimmers were taller than longer distance in both males (188 ± 8 vs. 185 ± 8 cm, P = 0.013) and females (174 ± 7 vs. 172 ± 7 cm, P = 0.014). Athletes competing in longer events (road cycling) had a smaller BMI than shorter distance events (track cycling) for both males (21.7 ± 1.3 vs. 23.9 ± 2.7 kg·m-2, P < 0.001) and females (20.3 ± 1.8 vs. 22.2 ± 2.1 kg·m-2, P < 0.001). These differences in BMI were primarily due to ~10% greater body mass among track cyclists compared to road cyclists for both males and females (both, P < 0.001). In contrast, height was not different between track and road cyclists for males (P = 0.864) or females (P = 0.163). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that there is a trade-off between body size and event distance for Olympic running, swimming, and cycling, such that smaller athletes were observed in longer compared to shorter distance events for both sexes.

A philosophical approach to aligning strength and conditioning support to a coaches' performance model: A case study from a national rowing performance programme

Coaches within the same sport often have varying methods to achieve performance outcomes, and, therefore, it is crucial to understand their performance model to maximise the impact of strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) support. Having a deliberate approach for understanding the demands of a sport from a sports coach's lens and aligning S&amp;C support to the coaches' performance model rather than utilising a generic needs analysis to guide S&amp;C support is vital to provide impactful S&amp;C support. The multi-disciplinary team (MDT) may also play a pivotal role in providing insight into various aspects of performance beyond a generic needs analysis. It is to the S&amp;C coaches' advantage to utilise the expertise of the MDT. Finally, the S&amp;C coach must develop a technical framework that consists of avenues of impact or objectives for S&amp;C support and demonstrates how biomotor qualities developed within the S&amp;C programme may support determinants of performance and technical models for key sporting actions, in line with the coaches' performance principles. The current paper aims to utilise the authors' experience of working with the head coach of two national rowing performance programmes over the last three Olympic cycles, with specific reference to the preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games to articulate a philosophical approach for aligning S&amp;C support to a coach's performance model.

BRAZILIAN OLYMPIC FEMALE ATHLETES’ MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Female participation in sports had reached a milestone in 1972 when a constitutional amendment was implemented to ensure equal opportunities for men and women. Since then, the percentage of participants in competitive sports has grown. In 1992, an association was made between three disorders related to female athletes called the “Female Athlete Triad”. After that, much has been studied about this and other particularities of female athletes. Objective: To identify the professionals who follow-up Brazilian female Olympic athletes and the association between a multidisciplinary approach and athletes’ knowledge about gynecological issues related to the practice of sport, i.e., female athlete triad, urinary incontinence, and weight control concerns. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016, during the Olympic Games. It included 120 female members of the Brazilian teams. A self-applied questionnaire, validated and adapted from the pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes, was used to evaluate their multidisciplinary follow-ups, weight control concerns, and knowledge about the Female Athlete Triad and urinary incontinence. Results: The athletes practiced 28 different sports. For 66%, it was their first participation in Olympic Games; 56% were unaware of the female athlete triad, 77% indicated weight concerns, and 52% were on a diet. The use of diuretics or laxatives or vomiting was reported by 11%; 67.5% were aware that sports are a risk factor for urinary incontinence, and 40% had already experienced urine loss. Decreased sportive performance was mentioned by 31%. Several athletes presented multidisciplinary follow-ups psychological (83%), nutritional (96%), and gynecological (83%). Conclusion: Brazilian Olympic athletes sought multidisciplinary follow-ups during the Olympic cycle; however, participants’ knowledge of sports-related issues remains limited. An orientation program regarding the above conditions is needed for female athletes and the professionals working with them to improve health and performance. Evidence Level IV; Cross-sectional observational study.

A Review of the Participation ın the Olympics by Country and the Success ın the Cycling Branch at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Background: The popularity of cycling is increasing day by day all over the world. Correspondingly, cycling is involved in more and more branches in the Olympic Games day by day. In addition, it is seen that the number of medals increases depending on the increasing branches. Aim: The research the connection between the success of the countries that won medals in the cycling branch, both and in the general Olympics. In this regard, overall Olympic achievements and achievements in cycling have analyzed in terms of the number of medals won by the countries that won medals in cycling. Methods: The data from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been accessed from the official website of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and the data obtained have been classified in accordance with the purpose. In the statistical analysis, the skewness and kurtosis values of the classified data were analyzed first, and it was determined that the data did not show a normal distribution. In this direction, Spearman correlation analysis was performed in order to determine the connection between the variables. Results: it has been determined that there is a positive and significant connection between the total number of medals won in all branches of the countries that won medals at the Olympics cycling branch and the total number of medals won in the cycling branch. It has also been determined that there is a strong positive connection between the total number of athletes participating at the Olympic cycling branch and the total number of medals won in the countries' cycling branch. Keywords: Olympics, cycling, countries, medal ranking

Has there been a change between combat time in male judo? Analysis of the top 20 athletes by weight division between the 2016-20 Olympic cycles

ABSTRACT This study compared male judo combat time in international competitions between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles, by weight divisions. We analysed 1380 videos of male judo combat from top 20 in the World ranking by weight division. The 2020 cycle had a lower combat time and a higher occurrence of Golden Score (GS) compared to the 2016 cycle (combat time: 2020= 206.9, 2016= 240.3 seconds; GS time: 2020= 95.1, 2016= 77.6 seconds; p˂0.001; GS occurrence: 2020= 27%, 2016= 6%; p˂0.05). The 66kg and 73kg spent the most time and the +100kg category spent the least time in the GS than the other divisions, in both Olympic cycles. However, in the 2020 cycle compared to 2016, the 66kg was the only that reduced the combat time on the GS (p= 0.002), the 81kg and +100kg had a change in the distribution of combat closure minute-by-minute [81kg(2016)= 28%, 81kg(2020)= 68% finished until the 4th minute of Regular Time; +100kg(2016)= 25%, +100kg(2020)= 50% finished until the 3rd minute of Regular Time; p= 0.003 for both]. These data must be considered when prescribing male judo training for specific performance.

Performance Development of European Swimmers Across the Olympic Cycle.

The aims of the study were to (1) quantify the performance development of race times and key performance indicators of European swimmers across the last Olympic cycle (from 2016 to 2021) and (2) provide reference values for long-course swimming pool events for both sexes from 50 m to 1,500 m including butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley. Individual events from the 2016 and 2021 European swimming championships were included. Specifically, 246 men (age: 24.2 ± 3.4 years, FINA points: 890 ± 40) and 256 women races (age: 24.2 ± 4, FINA points: 879 ± 38) of the finalists were recorded and key performance indicators and split times analyzed. Performance differences in finalists of the 2016 and 2021 European championships were determined by an independent t-test and Cohen's d effect size. Reference values were retrieved from 2021 European championship finalists and are provided for all key performance indicators. Race times improved significantly (P < 0.05) or showed moderate (d = 0.5–1) to large effect sizes (d > 1) in 14 (men) and 6 (women) out of 16 events. Improvements were primarily evident in 100 m and 200 m events for males, as well as BR and sprint events for female swimmers. While start times improved in 15 (men) and 14 (women) events, turn times remained inconclusive in both sexes. Generally, breakout distances increased. Clean swimming velocities were faster in 12 (men) and 5 (women) events. In particular, for alternating swimming strokes, i.e., backstroke and freestyle, effect sizes indicated improved swimming efficiency with an inverse relationship between reduced stroke rate and increased distance per stroke. Coaches and performance analysts may use the present reference values as comparative data for race analyses and to specifically prepare swimmers for the various race sections. Data on the performance development should be used to analyze swimmers' potential and set goals for the various events and the next Olympic cycle.