World Athletics Championships Research Articles

Athletic Performance Decline Over the Life Span: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of Elite and Masters Track-and-Field Data.

Loss of muscle power has a significant impact on mobility in geriatric populations, so this study sought to determine the extent and time course of performance decline in power-centric events throughout the life span via retrospective analyses of masters and elite track-and-field data. Four track-and-field events were selected based on maximal power output: the 100-m dash, long jump, high jump, and triple jump. Elite and masters athlete data were gathered from the World Masters Outdoor Championships and the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Athletics Championships (17,945 individual results). Data were analyzed by fitting individual and group results to quadratic and linear models. Average age of peak performance in all events was 27.8 (0.8)years for men and 28.3 (0.8)years for women. Athlete performance decline best matched a linear model for the 5years following peak performance (mean R2 = .68 [.20]) and for ages 35-60, but best matched a quadratic model for ages 60-90 and 35-90 (mean R2 = .75 [.12]). The average rate of decline for the masters data ages 35-60 ranged from 0.55% per year for men's 100-m dash to 1.04% per year for women's long jump. A significant age × sex interaction existed between men and women, with men declining faster throughout life in all events except the 100-m dash. Performance decline begins in the early 30s and is linear through middle age. This pattern of decline provides a basis for further research on power-decline pathophysiology and preventive measures starting in the 30s.

High-level performances following low altitude training and tapering in warm environments in elite racewalkers.

Current guidelines for prolonged altitude exposure suggest altitude levels ranging from 2000 to 2500m to optimize an increase in total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass). However, natural low altitude locations (<2000m) remain popular, highlighting the interest to investigate any possible benefit of low altitude camps for endurance athletes. Ten elite racewalkers (4 women and 6 men) underwent a 4-week "live high-train high" (LHTH) camp at an altitude of 1720m (PIO2=121mmHg; 20.1°C; 67% relative humidity [RH]), followed by a 3-week tapering phase (20m; PIO2=150mmHg; 28.3°C; 53% RH) in preparation for the World Athletics Championships (WC). Venous blood samples were withdrawn weekly during the entire observation period. In addition, blood volumes were determined weekly by carbon monoxide rebreathing during altitude exposure and 2weeks after return to sea level. High-level performances were achieved at the WC (five placings among the Top 10 WC races and three all-time career personal bests). A slight but significant increase in absolute (+1.7%, p=0.03) and relative Hbmass (+2.3%, p=0.02) was observed after 4-week LHTH. In addition, as usually observed during LHTH protocols, weekly training distance (+28%, p=0.02) and duration (+30%, p=0.04) significantly increased during altitude compared to the pre-LHTH period. Therefore, although direct causation cannot be inferred, these results suggest that the combination of increased training load at low altitudes with a subsequent tapering period in a warm environment is a suitable competition-preparation strategy for elite endurance athletes.

BIOKINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIPLE JUMP TECHNIQUE IN QUALIFIED ATHLETES

The purpose of the study is to investigate the biokinematic characteristics of the triple jump technique in qualified athletes. Material and methods. The technique of the final attempts of qualified triple jumpers during the 2023 World Athletics Championships was analyzed. The following methods were used in the work: analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, analysis of video materials, methods of mathematical statistics. The video of the final attempts was used, provided for public use by the International Athletics Federation (World Athletics). The attempts were recorded by four video cameras installed on the side of the treadmill at a distance of 2,5 m, the height of the video camera mounted on a tripod was 1,5 m. Two of the four video cameras recorded video at a frequency of 25 frames per second, the other two video cameras recorded video at a frequency of 1300 frames per second. Video analysis of the final attempts and processing of biokinematic parameters of the technique were determined using the Dartfish and Kinovea programs. All statistical data were processed in the statistical analysis program IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.1.0. Results. The metric, time, angular, and speed characteristics of the take-off technique are determined; push-off; jump; step; jump for highly skilled triple jumpers. Based on the analysis of the triple jump technique indicators, the optimal biokinematic parameters of the technique that athletes need to have in order to achieve high competitive results were obtained. Conclusions. To achieve high competitive results in the triple jump, the following technical parameters must be used. The take-off speed should reach 10.40 m s-1 or more, the length of the last take-off step should be 2,20-2,40 m; the pace of the last step is 4-5 steps/s. The push-off; from the bar should last 0.100-0.133 s; the push-off; angle reaches 65-70 ̊; the speed of departure of the general center of mass of the body is 9.60 m s-1 and more. The jump should last no more than 0,660 s. During the jump, the high height of the overall center of body mass should be 1.30-1.45 m; upon landing, the speed of the general center of mass of the body is 9,20 m s-1 or more. The second push-off should last 0,160-0,180 s, the push-off angle is 60-65°. The take-off speed of the general center of body mass in a step should be 8,80 m s-1 or more. The optimal step duration is 0.450-0.520 s, step length is 5.20-5.50 m, the maximum height of the overall center of body mass is 1.24-1.30 m; upon landing, the speed of the general center of mass of the body is 8.50 m s-1 or more. The third push-off should last 130-166 s. The push-off angle is 63-70°. The take-off speed of the general center of mass of the body in a jump is from 8 m s-1 and more. The optimal duration of the jump is 0.750-0.780 s; maximum height of the overall center of body mass 1,10-1,22 m; upon landing, the speed of the general center of mass of the body is 7 m s-1 or more. When taking off and landing, the angle in the supporting leg throughout all three jumps should be 163-170 ̊.

Remote Viewership of International Sporting Events and Crime: Evidence From Jamaica

This article examines the effect of televised international sporting events (e.g., FIFA World Cup or Summer Olympics) on crime in Jamaica. We use a fixed effects model that compares, within each police division, the level of crime that occurs during these international sporting events to the rate of crime on similar days when these events are not occurring. We found that on days when the FIFA World Cup matches are held, there is a reduction in the number of murders (23.3%), shootings (20%), break-ins (19.4%), and robberies (11.7%), relative to the average number of each incident. We found no evidence of crime displacement, as these crimes also reduced during nonmatch periods during the FIFA World Cup. On the other hand, our results suggest that the international events that are less popular in Jamaica (the World Athletics Championship, the Summer Olympics, and the Winter Olympics) had a minimal impact on crime.

How do infectious diseases affect high-performance athletes? Norovirus during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

The incidence of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions is a concern for public health. In this study, we aim to report six cases of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 Pan American Games, a multisport event held in Peru. During the Lima 2019 event, there were no reported outbreaks or cases of most frequent diseases, however, six cases (0.09%) of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis were reported. The clinical stage of the cases was self-limited to 2 days, and the main treatment was fluid replacement. Of the six affected athletes, five came from the United States and one from Chile. Only one karate athlete from the United States, could not continue with the competition due to the illness. The incidence of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 was low, and the clinical course of the illness was self-limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of athletes who presented with gastroenteritis using the Panam Sport In previous sporting events, such as the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, Injury and Illness Surveillance System. These findings can inform the development of public health strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions.

Feasibility of OpenPose markerless motion analysis in a real athletics competition.

This study tested the performance of OpenPose on footage collected by two cameras at 200 Hz from a real-life competitive setting by comparing it with manually analyzed data in SIMI motion. The same take-off recording from the men's Long Jump finals at the 2017 World Athletics Championships was used for both approaches (markerless and manual) to reconstruct the 3D coordinates from each of the camera's 2D coordinates. Joint angle and Centre of Mass (COM) variables during the final step and take-off phase of the jump were determined. Coefficients of Multiple Determinations (CMD) for joint angle waveforms showed large variation between athletes with the knee angle values typically being higher (take-off leg: 0.727 ± 0.242; swing leg: 0.729 ± 0.190) than those for hip (take-off leg: 0.388 ± 0.193; swing leg: 0.370 ± 0.227) and ankle angle (take-off leg: 0.247 ± 0.172; swing leg: 0.155 ± 0.228). COM data also showed considerable variation between athletes and parameters, with position (0.600 ± 0.322) and projection angle (0.658 ± 0.273) waveforms generally showing better agreement than COM velocity (0.217 ± 0.241). Agreement for discrete data was generally poor with high random error for joint kinematics and COM parameters at take-off and an average ICC across variables of 0.17. The poor agreement statistics and a range of unrealistic values returned by the pose estimation underline that OpenPose is not suitable for in-competition performance analysis in events such as the long jump, something that manual analysis still achieves with high levels of accuracy and reliability.

Assessing the Prevalence of Doping Among Elite Athletes: An Analysis of Results Generated by the Single Sample Count Method Versus the Unrelated Question Method.

In 2011, a group of researchers investigated the 12-month prevalence of doping at the 13th International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Athletics (WCA) in Daegu, South Korea, and also at the 12th Pan-Arab Games (PAG) in Doha, Qatar. The prevalence of doping at each event was estimated using an established randomized response method, the Unrelated Question Model (UQM). The study, published in 2018, found that the prevalence of past-year doping was at least 30% at WCA and 45% at PAG. At both events, separate data sets were collected in addition to the UQM data using a new method, the single sample count (SSC). Recently, Petróczi et al. have reported 12-month doping prevalence estimates for these two events based on the SSC data. These investigators obtained substantially lower prevalence estimates using the SSC and suggested that the 2018 estimates based on the UQM may have been too high. However, in this communication, we point out several possible shortcomings in the methods of Petróczi et al. and show that their SSC data would be equally compatible with a high 12-month doping prevalence comparable to the UQM estimates published in 2018.

Is There a Relative Age Effect among the Most Successful Track and Field Athletes?

The prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was studied among medalists from the World Athletics Championships at U18, U20 and Senior age groups and from the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2022. The specific events examined were the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000/5000 m, the long jump, the triple jump, the high jump and the pole vault. Dates of birth from 1,858 outdoor track and field athletes were analysed and further divided into four groups according to the quartile of birth. The RAE was found to be widespread among athletes of both sexes in U18 and U20 age groups in all examined disciplines. There was no difference between the most successful U18 and U20 athletes (p = 0.52). Among senior athletes of both sexes, this effect was not detected and the number of "late-born" athletes in this age group was higher than athletes born in the first three quarters. The prevalence of the RAE across the four groups of events was found in U18 and U20 age groups. Additionally, within each age group, the difference among events was statistically significant. In most successful track and field athletes, the RAE is only significant in U18 and U20 age groups. In senior athletes, the number of "late-born" athletes is significant while RAE disappears. These data may be considered when assessing the athletic potential of an individual athlete.

Multicomponent Velocity Measurement for Linear Sprinting: Usain Bolt's 100 m World-Record Analysis.

The purpose of this report is to provide additional analysis and commentary on the men's 100 m world record of 9.58 s, set by Usain Bolt in the 2009 Berlin World Championships in Athletics. In addition, the entire race underwent a unique kinematic analysis, particularly emphasizing the maximum running velocity and its related factors. It was possible due the application of the new Stuhec software. The data were provided by LAVEG'S advanced laser measurement technology based on positional data with a high spatiotemporal resolution. The maximum velocity phase is the most critical determinant of the final race time. Bolt completed two phases in this world-record 100 m sprint: acceleration and top velocity. The borderline between these phases reached the highest velocity of 12.32 m/s on a 52 m run. He could keep the maximum velocity in five 10 m sections (50-100 m). The occurrence of functional asymmetry-the difference in step length between the left and right legs-was also noticed. Longer steps were taken with the left leg, almost over 80 m. From a practical point of view, new technologies (e.g., software) allow coaches and athletes to analyze the kinematic parameters of sprinting even more precisely and in detail. They must take into account precise changes in the course of maximum speed and the parameters determining it which are step length and frequency. Based on such an analysis, it is possible to modify the training process aimed at increasing the potential, both maximum speed and the supporting factors of strength and power. This must be conditioned by the appropriate selection of training measures shaping the abovementioned motor skills and parameters describing the optimal sprinting technique.

Challenges and Strategies for Management of IAAF World Championships in Athletics

The IAAF World Championships in Athletics (WCH) is one of the biggest sports events with high popularity. However, the influence and economics of WCH still face many challenges. This study discusses the challenges faced by WCH on venue and marketing management and proposes strategies to address these challenges by reviewing the literature on the development and management of WCH and other sports events from the perspectives of venue management and marketing management. In terms of selecting the host city, this study suggests considering the city's size, transportation convenience and its sports spirit and cultural background. Facing the increased demand and heightened expectations for live events and entertainment, multi-purpose venues with diverse attractions and amenities should be taken into account. Additionally, to increase the quantity and quality of the athletes, offering substantial prize money for athletes is crucial. And creating a compelling fan experience, activating sponsorships, and partnering with influencers should be also considered to promote the marketing management of WCH.

S8-4 Reaching beyond competitive sports. How International Sports Federation can use their main competitions to promote physical activity. A World Athletics pilot project

Abstract Purpose International Sports Federations (IF) are global governing bodies for each respective sport and their main duties are to organize international competitions, regulate and promote their sport. Despite their objective of promoting sports participation, their activity mostly focused on competitive/elite sports so far. International competitions not only represent the epitome of each sport but could also be used as an opportunity to improve the health of those living in the hosting city or the staff working for the local organising committee (LOC). The purpose of this pilot project was to measure the benefits of active commuting (AC) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) of the staff involved in the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 during the two weeks of competition. Project description World Athletics partnered with StravaMetro□ to measure AC between official accommodation and competition venues, as well as the staff LTPA, during the Championships. Before the event, World Athletics staff was briefed on the project purposes and given information on AC options available in Eugene (pedestrian and cycling paths, bike rental). Staff members were encouraged to record their AC and LTPA through the Strava App. During the 2 weeks, a total of 18,656 walking/running trips (both AC and LTPA) were recorded in Eugene. This represents a 225.4% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Furthermore, 2690 cycling commuting trips were recorded, representing a 143% increase. Conclusions This pilot project demonstrates that IF can efficiently use their main events to promote AC and LTPA to their staff and the workforce involved. Encouraging AC, improves the health of those active, reduces traffic related air pollution, road traffic, and transportation costs for the LOC. An upscaled approach adopted in the early phase of the event planning, involving spectators would amplify observed results and their health-related benefits. The post analysis by StravaMetro□ of the walking and cycling routes used by staff and spectators can also allow the host city to better define and create protected routes which represent a tangible legacy. These objectives require a strong collaboration between the IF, LOC, city government and the national institutions promoting AC and HEPA.

Thermoregulatory responses during road races in hot-humid conditions at the 2019 Athletics World Championships.

The purpose of this study was to characterize thermoregulatory and performance responses of elite road-race athletes, while competing in hot, humid, night-time conditions during the 2019 IAAF World Athletic Championships. Male and female athletes, competing in the 20 km racewalk (n = 20 males, 24 females), 50 km racewalk (n = 19 males, 8 females), and marathon (n = 15 males, 22 females) participated. Exposed mean skin (Tsk) and continuous core body (Tc) temperature were recorded with infrared thermography and ingestible telemetry pill, respectively. The range of ambient conditions (recorded roadside) was 29.3°C-32.7°C air temperature, 46%-81% relative humidity, 0.1-1.7 m·s-1 air velocity, and 23.5°C-30.6°C wet bulb globe temperature. Tc increased by 1.5 ± 0.1°C but mean Tsk decreased by 1.5 ± 0.4°C over the duration of the races. Tsk and Tc changed most rapidly at the start of the races and then plateaued, with Tc showing a rapid increase again at the end, in a pattern mirroring pacing. Performance times were between 3% and 20% (mean = 113 ± 6%) longer during the championships compared with the personal best (PB) of athletes. Overall mean performance relative to PB was correlated with the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of each race (R2 = 0.89), but not with thermophysiological variables (R2 ≤ 0.3). As previously reported in exercise heat stress, in this field study Tc rose with exercise duration, whereas Tsk showed a decline. The latter contradicts the commonly recorded rise and plateau in laboratory studies at similar ambient temperatures but without realistic air movement.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper provides a kinetic observation of both core and skin temperatures in 108 elite athletes, during various outdoor competition events, adding to the very limited data so far available in the literature taken during elite competitions. The field skin temperature findings contrast previous laboratory findings, likely due to differences in relative air velocity and its impact on the evaporation of sweat. The rapid rise in skin temperature following cessation of exercise highlights the importance of infrared thermography measurements being taken during motion, not during breaks, when being used as a measurement of skin temperature during exercise.

The influence of some anthropometric parameters on the marathon results of the world athletics championships 2019 in Doha

The research was conducted on a sample of 55 successful female marathoners who participated in ten of the most popular marathon races. The sample of subjects includes ten of the best marathoners positioned in every race held at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. The purpose of the research is to assess the impact of body height, weight and age of marathon runners on the final result in the race. The collected data is processed by the basic descriptive parameters. The entities have the average weight of 60.81 kg, with the average height of 171.65 cm, at the average age of 32.92, with the achieved average result of 137.86 hours into the race. In the intercorrelation matrix, only a significant correlation coefficient (p&lt;0.001) is obtained for height and body weight. From the regression analysis the influence of the predictor variables (height, weight and age) on the criterion variable – sig.=0,60 (the result of the marathon) is not confirmed, which provides only 36% (RO²=.366) of analysis in the common ground of variability. The remaining 64% of the analysis of the total variability of the criterion variable may be attributed to other anthropological characteristics, and mainly to functional characteristics of the anaerobic type.

Data analysis and qualitative assessment of 5000 meter male middle distance runners

Sports and games has a great importance in education and also in maintaining health and fitness. To develop endurance, one may include middle distance run in their daily fitness activities. The 5000-meters middle distance running events are contested at all global athletics championships including India. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the pacing strategies of foreign elite male athlete and Indian male athlete in 5000-meter middle distance race. The study is to exhibit whether split 100 meter times of 5000-meter are varied in between foreign elite male athlete and Indian male athlete. Ten male leading foreign athletes are selected as foreign athletes from readily publically available data of the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championship 2017, World Athletics Championship 2019 and ten male Indian athletes are selected as Indian athletes from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) All India Inter University Athletics Championship 2020. The research brings forth how the variations occurs among the Indian athletes of Male population and foreign athlete of Male population. The constant variation in their running pace, velocity of the foreign athletes is exhibited in accordance with their distance parameter including the distance coverages world championship from 100 meter to 5000 meter.

Data analysis and graphical representation of 1500-meter male middle distance runners

The fifteen-hundred-meter intermediate distance running events are contested at all worldwide athletics championships including India. The purpose of the study is to investigate the pacing plans of foreign top male athlete and Indian top male athlete in fifteen-hundred intermediate distance race. The study is to display whether divided hundred-meter times of fifteen-hundred meter are different in between foreign top male athlete and Indian top male athlete. Ten male foremost foreign athletes are selected as foreign athletes from readily openly accessible information of the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championship and Olympics also ten male Indian athletes are selected as Indian athletes from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) All India Inter University and other Athletics Competition. The study tried to discover intermediate distance running plans of Indian and foreign top athletes.

Hidden figures: Revisiting doping prevalence estimates previously reported for two major international sport events in the context of further empirical evidence and the extant literature.

High levels of admitted doping use (43.6% and 57.1%) were reported for two international sport events in 2011. Because these are frequently referenced in evaluating aspects of anti-doping, having high level of confidence in these estimates is paramount. In this study, we present new prevalence estimates from a concurrently administered method, the Single Sample Count (SSC), and critically review the two sets of estimates in the context of other doping prevalence estimates. The survey featuring the SSC model was completed by 1,203 athletes at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics (WCA) (65.3% of all participating athletes) and 954 athletes at the 2011 Pan-Arab Games (PAG) (28.2% of all participating athletes). At WCA, athletes completed both UQM and SSC surveys in randomised order. At PAG, athletes were randomly allocated to one of the two surveys. Doping was defined as "having knowingly violated anti-doping regulations by using a prohibited substance or method." Estimates with the SSC model for 12-month doping prevalence were 21.2% (95% CI: 9.69-32.7) at WCA and 10.6% (95% CI: 1.76-19.4) at PAG. Estimated herbal, mineral, and/or vitamin supplements use was 8.57% (95% CI: 1.3-16.11) at PAG. Reliability of the estimates were confirmed with re-sampling method (n = 1,000, 80% of the sample). Survey non-compliance (31.90%, 95%CI: 26.28-37.52; p < 0.0001) was detected in the WCA data but occurred to a lesser degree at PAG (9.85%, 95% CI: 4.01-15.69, p = 0.0144 and 11.43%, 95% CI: 5.31-11.55, p = 0.0196, for doping and nutritional supplement use, respectively). A large discrepancy between those previously reported from the UQM and the prevalence rate estimated by the SSC model for the same population is evident. Caution in interpreting these estimates as bona fide prevalence rates is warranted. Critical appraisal of the obtained prevalence rates and triangulation with other sources are recommended over "the higher rate must be closer to the truth" heuristics. Non-compliance appears to be the Achilles heel of the indirect estimation models thus it should be routinely tested for and minimised. Further research into cognitive and behaviour aspects, including motivation for honesty, is needed to improve the ecological validity of the estimated prevalence rates.

Comparison of three different blood matrices for the quantification of endogenous steroids using UHPLC-MS/MS.

Urine is currently the matrix of choice for the detection of exogenous substances but also for the application of the steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) consisting in a longitudinal monitoring of steroid biomarkers. To fill the limitations related to urine, the longitudinal monitoring of serum steroids concentration in the so-called 'blood steroid profile' has recently been proposed. Although serum samples are collected much less than urine samples, plasma derived from ABP whole blood samples used for the full blood count could be exploited for the quantification of endogenous steroids. Alternatively, dried blood spots (DBS) that are much easier to collect could also serve as matrix for the steroid profile. In this study, we compared the concentration levels of several endogenous steroids measured in three different blood matrices (serum, plasma and DBS) collected from 100 elite athletes participating in the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships using UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and serum samples were collected by venipuncture, whereas DBS were generated from whole blood samples. Although steroids demonstrated a good agreement between the three matrices, a slight but acceptable underestimation (10%-20%) was observed in plasma compared with serum. The difference between DBS and the two other matrices was dependent of the bias between serum and plasma. We also showed that a generic HCT correction for DBS could be a valuable approach for quantitative measurements. This study demonstrates the possibility to use three different matrices for the quantification of endogenous steroids although the slight discrepancies should be considered for longitudinal evaluation.

A Study on Terror Activities in International Sports Events

Korea has successfully hosted international sports events such as the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and the 2002 World Cup. On August 27, 2011, the World Championships in Athletics were held in Daegu, and by hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, it became the fifth country in the world to host all four major international sports events after France, Germany, Italy and Japan. However, it should be recognized that the threat of terror activities exists behind the hosting of international sporting events. The representative terror activities in relation to international sports events in the international community include the terror activities of hostage, kidnapping, and killing by the Black September Team under the Palestine Liberation Organization targeting Israeli athletes and officials at the Munich Olympics on September 5, 1972, a bombing attack that took place at Gimpo International Airport on September 14, 1986, a week before the Asian Games in Seoul, Korea, and the bombing of Korean Air Flight 858 over Andaman, Myanmar on November 29, 1987 to obstruct the 1988 Seoul Olympics, etc. This study aims to analyze cases of terror activities that occurred in relation to international sports events held in Korea, and at the same time forecast possible terror activities as a means to prevent or obstruct the holding of international sports events.

Social impact projections for Qatar youth residents from 2022: The case of the IAAF 2019.

While sport is playing an increasingly important role in society in the Middle East, there has been limited research on the perceived social impact of the hosting of major international events in this region. This study evaluates the main factors affecting youth residents' perceptions of hosting major international sport events, by measuring the psychic income in particular, generated within subgroups shaping their support toward hosting these events. Psychic income refers to the emotional and psychological benefit residents perceive they receive from hosting an international sport event. The study is of significance within the context of residents' perceptions studies given that the large majority of residents in Qatar are non-Qataris. Furthermore, the youth were the target population for this study given that they have been identified as the custodians of the next generation and as an essential force in molding national development; and extends the few residents' perception studies in Qatar which comprised the general population. Using the 2019 IAAF Athletics World championships as an example, a framework by Kim and Walker was adopted. Data were collected from 316 university students' from different nationalities residing in Qatar; a month after the event took place. After conducting confirmatory factor analysis, this study was subject to structural equation modeling. Overall, the results show that the perceived impact on Qatari youth nationals was higher compared to Arab youth, and non-Arab youth, respectively. Likewise, the perceived impact was higher for females compared to males. By evaluating the psychic income received by youth from different nationalities residing in Qatar, this study provides decision-makers and organizers with a better understanding of the outcome generated from hosting major international sport events, and how they can leverage these going forward. Of importance is that even if youth residents do not attend the event in person, these events may still generate positive psychic income which is particular relevant to the 2022 FIFA World Cup given the limitations related to purchasing tickets. With Qatar establishing itself as a regional sport hub by attracting a diverse range of international sport events, a cumulative approach to understanding psychic income is recommended.

The Association Between Hip-Shoulder Separation Angles and Technique Characteristics in World-Class High Jumpers.

Hip-shoulder separation (H-Ssep) has been widely researched in many sporting activities (e.g., golf) to provide information on the contribution of torso rotation to performance and injury. Although it is necessary for high jumpers to generate significant long-axis rotation to successfully clear the bar, limited information exists on H-Ssep for high jump athletes. As such, this study aimed to (a) characterize the H-Ssep of world-class high jump athletes during competition, (b) determine if differences exist between male and female athletes and (c) to examine the relationship between H-Ssep and the biomechanical parameters used to describe high jump technique. Twenty-nine world-class high jumpers (17 males, 12 females) were video recorded (frame rate: 120–200 Hz) during the 2017 and 2018 World Athletics Championship finals. H-Ssep was quantified at touchdown (TD) and take-off (TO) following manual digitizing (SIMI motion) and a number of other common biomechanical parameters were computed. The observed levels of H-Ssep at TD (−46±12°) and TO (16 ±11°) were in line with those reported previously for other sports. The magnitude of H-Ssep varied between individuals and showed significant associations with other approach and take-off characteristics. Significant differences in H-Ssep were not evident between male and female athletes despite significant differences in other performance- and technique-related parameters. These findings highlight the divergent take-off characteristics of world-class performers and their reliance on hip-shoulder interactions when generating long axis rotation. Coaches should be mindful of the mechanical and physical consequences of H-Ssep when developing technical models, conditioning interventions and coaching strategies.