Articles In Press / Online First
Back to the articles list |
Back to browse issues page
1- University Pablo de Olavide, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ctra. de Utrera, 1, 41013 Seville, Spain. , pgargon5@alu.upo.es
2- University Pablo de Olavide, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ctra. de Utrera, 1, 41013 Seville, Spain.
2- University Pablo de Olavide, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ctra. de Utrera, 1, 41013 Seville, Spain.
Abstract: (515 Views)
Background. No articles have been found that simultaneously compare top-class female triathlon performance over the years, across different competitions and between race positions. Objectives. This study aims to compare performance levels across significant triathlon female events, to compare the performance of medalist female triathletes with non-medalist female triathletes, and to carry out an analysis of the performance trends in female Olympic-distance triathlon across 23 years (from 2000 to 2023). Methods. The dataset for this study was obtained from the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS) website (http://wts.triathlon.org/). Individual discipline times and overall times from 2000 to 2023 were collected for analysis, excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The performance has been compared a) between competitions, b) between positions (medalists and non-medalists), and c) across the years. Results. The best time never corresponds to the European Championship for any discipline and group. A significant relationship exists between the years and performance for all disciplines, considering both medalists and all athletes (p values <0.001). Conclusion. Running time is the most differentiating discipline between the medalists and the rest, although it is not the only one. A causal relationship has been proven between the years and the performance improvement in all disciplines, similar for medalists and all participants. Female triathletes perform better at the World Championship than other competitions.
Full-Text [PDF 718 kb]
(110 Downloads)
APPLICABLE REMARKS
APPLICABLE REMARKS
- The findings of this study contribute to the development of triathlon and female athlete training by providing a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of Olympic-distance triathlon performance, highlighting the predominance of specific disciplines. The results enable coaches and athletes to optimize training strategies by considering seasonal performance trends and competitive targets. Additionally, the comparison between medalists and non-medalists offers insights into the performance required for podium finishes, which may also aid in early-career talent identification.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Sport Physiology and its related branches
Received: 2024/11/28 | Accepted: 2025/02/25
Received: 2024/11/28 | Accepted: 2025/02/25
References
1. 1. Strock GA, Cottrell ER, Lohman JM. Triathlon. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2006;17(3):553-64. [DOI:10.1016/j.pmr.2006.05.010] [PMID]
2. Lepers R, Sultana F, Bernard T, Hausswirth C, Brisswalter J. Age-related changes in triathlon performances. Int J Sports Med. 2010;31(4):251-6. [DOI:10.1055/s-0029-1243647] [PMID]
3. Sousa CV, Aguiar S, Olher RR, Cunha R, Nikolaidis PT, Villiger E, et al. What Is the Best Discipline to Predict Overall Triathlon Performance? An Analysis of Sprint, Olympic, Ironman® 70.3, and Ironman® 140.6. Front Physiol. 2021;12(May). [DOI:10.3389/fphys.2021.654552] [PMID] []
4. Piacentini MF, Bianchini LA, Minganti C, Sias M, Di Castro A, Vleck V. Is the bike segment of modern olympic triathlon more a transition towards running in males than it is in females? Sports. 2019;7(4):1-9. [DOI:10.3390/sports7040076] [PMID] []
5. Gallmann D, Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Elite triathletes in "Ironman Hawaii" get older but faster. Age (Omaha). 2014;36(1):407-16. [DOI:10.1007/s11357-013-9534-y] [PMID] []
6. Haupt S, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. The age-related performance decline in ultraendurance mountain biking. Research in Sports Medicine. 2013;21(2):146-58. [DOI:10.1080/15438627.2012.757228] [PMID]
7. Nikolaidis PT, Villiger E, Knechtle B. Participation and performance trends in the ITU Duathlon World Championship from 2003 to 2017. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;00(00):1-7.
8. Rüst CA, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Pfeifer S, Rosemann T, Lepers R, et al. Gender difference and age-related changes in performance at the long-distance duathlon. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(2):293-301. [DOI:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825420d0] [PMID]
9. Nikolaidis PT, Villiger E, Vancini RL, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. The Effect of Sex and Performance Level on Pacing in Duathlon. Sports. 2018;6(4):1-8. [DOI:10.3390/sports6040152] [PMID] []
10. Lepers R, Stapley PJ. Differences in gender and performance in off-road triathlon. J Sports Sci. 2010;28(14):1555-62. [DOI:10.1080/02640414.2010.517545] [PMID]
11. Lepers R, Stapley PJ. Age-related changes in conventional road versus off-road triathlon performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011;111(8):1687-94. [DOI:10.1007/s00421-010-1805-z] [PMID]
12. Lepers R, Knechtle B, Stapley P. Trends in Triathlon Performance: Effects of Sex and Age. Sports Medicine. 2014;43(9):851-63. [DOI:10.1007/s40279-013-0067-4] [PMID]
13. Lepers R. Sex difference in triathlon performance. Front Physiol. 2019;10(JUL):1-7. [DOI:10.3389/fphys.2019.00973] [PMID] []
14. Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Knechtle P, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Age-related changes in ultra-triathlon performances. Extrem Physiol Med. 2012;1(1). [DOI:10.1186/2046-7648-1-5] [PMID] []
15. Quagliarotti C, Gaiola D, Bianchini L, Vleck V, Piacentini MF. How to Form a Successful Team for the Novel Olympic Triathlon Discipline: The Mixed-Team-Relay. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2022;7(2). [DOI:10.3390/jfmk7020046] [PMID] []
16. Knechtle B, Valero D, Villiger E, Thuany M, Nikolaidis PT, Cuk I, et al. The influence of origin and race location on performance in IRONMAN® age group triathletes. PLoS One. 2024 Dec 1;19(12). [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0315064] [PMID] []
17. Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Age and gender differences in half-Ironman triathlon performances - the Ironman 70.3 Switzerland from 2007 to 2010. Open Access J Sports Med. 2012;3(July):59-66. [DOI:10.2147/OAJSM.S32922] [PMID] []
18. Sigg K, Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Knechtle P, Lepers R, Rosemann T. Sex difference in Double Iron ultra-triathlon performance. Extrem Physiol Med. 2013;2(1). [DOI:10.1186/2046-7648-2-12] [PMID] []
19. Piacentini MF, Vleck V, Lepers R. Effect of age on the sex difference in Ironman triathlon performance. Movement and Sports Sciences - Science et Motricite. 2019;(104):21-7. [DOI:10.1051/sm/2019030]
20. Rüst CA, Knechtle B, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Sex difference in race performance and age of peak performance in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship from 1983 to 2012. Extrem Physiol Med. 2012;1(1). [DOI:10.1186/2046-7648-1-15] [PMID] []
21. Stiefel M, Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. The age of peak performance in Ironman triathlon: A cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis. Extrem Physiol Med. 2013;2(1):1. [DOI:10.1186/2046-7648-2-27] [PMID] []
22. Lepers R, Rüst CA, Stapley PJ, Knechtle B. Relative improvements in endurance performance with age: Evidence from 25 years of Hawaii Ironman racing. Age (Omaha). 2013;35(3):953-62. [DOI:10.1007/s11357-012-9392-z] [PMID] []
23. Knechtle R, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. The best triathletes are older in longer race distances - a comparison between Olympic, Half-Ironman and Ironman distance triathlon. Journal of the Korean Physical Society. 2014;3(1):1-16. [DOI:10.1186/2193-1801-3-538] [PMID] []
24. Sousa CV, Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B. Ultra-triathlon-Pacing, performance trends, the role of nationality, and sex differences in finishers and non-finishers. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2020;30(3):556-63. [DOI:10.1111/sms.13598] [PMID]
25. Meili D, Knechtle B, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Participation and performance trends in "Ultraman Hawaii" from 1983 to 2012. Extrem Physiol Med. 2013;2(1):1. [DOI:10.1186/2046-7648-2-25] [PMID] []
26. Rüst CA, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Participation and performance trends in triple iron ultra-triathlon - A cross-sectional and longitudinal data analysis. Asian J Sports Med. 2012;3(3):145-52. [DOI:10.5812/asjsm.34605] [PMID] []
27. Rüst CA, Knechtle B, Wirth A, Knechtle P, Ellenrieder B, Rosemann T, et al. Personal best times in an olympic distance triathlon and a marathon predict an Ironman race time for recreational female triathletes. Chinese Journal of Physiology. 2012;55(3):156-62. [DOI:10.4077/CJP.2012.BAA014] [PMID]
28. Lepers R, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rosemann T. Analysis of ultra-triathlon performances. Open Access J Sports Med. 2011;(August):131. [DOI:10.2147/OAJSM.S22956] [PMID] []
29. Knechtle B, Rosemann T, Lepers R, Rüst CA. A comparison of performance of Deca Iron and Triple Deca Iron ultra-triathletes. Springerplus. 2014;3(1). [DOI:10.1186/2193-1801-3-461] [PMID] []
30. Olaya J, Fernández-Sáez J, Østerlie O, Ferriz-Valero A. Contribution of segments to overall result in elite triathletes: Sprint distance. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(16). [DOI:10.3390/ijerph18168422] [PMID] []
31. Cuba-Dorado A, Vleck V, Álvarez-Yates T, Garcia-Garcia O. Gender Effect on the Relationship between Talent Identification Tests and Later World Triathlon Series Performance. Sports. 2021;9(164):1-11. [DOI:10.3390/sports9120164] [PMID] []
32. García-González P, González-Jurado JA. Has Covid-19 pandemic influenced the performance of top-class triathletes in the Sprint and Olympic distance of the ITU World Triathlon Championship Series? Retos. 2024;57:137-46. [DOI:10.47197/retos.v57.105394]
33. García-González P, González-Jurado JA. Has COVID-19 influenced the performance of top-class athletes in the ITU World Duathlon and World Aquathlon Championship? Rev Andal Med Deport [Internet]. 2024 Nov 11;17(3-4):151-8. [DOI:10.33155/ramd.v17i3-4.1177]
34. Gadelha AB, Sousa CV, Sales MM, Rosa TDS, Flothmann M, Barbosa LP, et al. Cut-off values in the prediction of success in olympic distance triathlon. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(24):1-11. [DOI:10.3390/ijerph17249491] [PMID] []
35. Ofoghi B, Zeleznikow J, Macmahon C, Rehula J, Dwyer DB. Performance analysis and prediction in triathlon. J Sports Sci. 2016;34(7):607-12. [DOI:10.1080/02640414.2015.1065341] [PMID]
36. Olaya-Cuartero J, Fernández-Sáez J, Østerlie O, Ferriz-Valero A. Concordance Analysis between the Segments and the Overall Performance in Olympic Triathlon in Elite Triathletes. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(6). [DOI:10.3390/biology11060902] [PMID] []
37. Rüst CA, Lepers R, Stiefel M, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. Performance in Olympic triathlon: Changes in performance of elite female and male triathletes in the ITU World Triathlon Series from 2009 to 2012. Springerplus. 2013;2(1):1-7. [DOI:10.1186/2193-1801-2-685] [PMID] []
38. Wonerow M, Rüst CA, Nikolaidis PT, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. Performance trends in age group triathletes in the olympic distance triathlon at the world championships 2009-2014. Chinese Journal of Physiology. 2017;60(3):137-50. [DOI:10.4077/CJP.2017.BAF448] [PMID]
39. Etter F, Knechtle B, Bukowski A, Rüst CA, Rosemann T, Lepers R. Age and gender interactions in short distance triathlon performance. J Sports Sci. 2013;31(9):996-1006. [DOI:10.1080/02640414.2012.760747] [PMID]
40. Cejuela R, Arévalo-Chico H, Sellés-Pérez S. Power Profile during Cycling in World Triathlon Series and Olympic Games. J Sports Sci Med. 2024 Mar 1;23(1):25-33. [DOI:10.52082/jssm.2024.25] [PMID] []
41. In press: García-González P, González-Jurado JA. Analysis and comparison of male triathlon performance at the Olympic Games, International Triathlon :union: World Championship, and European Triathlon :union: European Championship over a period of twenty-three years, considering both medalists and overall triathletes participants. Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche. 2024;183:0-0.
42. Veiga S, Grenouillat A, Rodríguez-Adalia L, Zarzosa-Alonso F, Pla R. Ten-Year Evolution of World Swimming Trends for Different Performance Clusters: A Gaussian Model. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2024;19(12):1391-9. [DOI:10.1123/ijspp.2024-0206] [PMID]
43. Lerebourg L, Guignard B, L'hermette M, Coquart JB. Predicting the potential of middle- and long-distance track runners by evaluating the performance improvement rate. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2025 Jan 1;65(1):1-11. [DOI:10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15123-7] [PMID]
44. Foster C, Hanley B, Barroso R, Boullosa D, Casado A, Haugen T, et al. Evolution of 1500m Olympic Running Performance. Int J Sports Physiol Perform [Internet]. 2023;19(1):62-70. [DOI:10.1123/ijspp.2023-0289] [PMID]
45. Rebelo A, Martinho D V., Valente-dos-Santos J, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Teixeira DS. From data to action: a scoping review of wearable technologies and biomechanical assessments informing injury prevention strategies in sport. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Dec 1;15(1):169. [DOI:10.1186/s13102-023-00783-4] [PMID] []
46. Jacko T, Bartsch J, von Diecken C, Ueberschär O. Validity of Current Smartwatches for Triathlon Training: How Accurate Are Heart Rate, Distance, and Swimming Readings? Sensors. 2024 Jul 1;24(14). [DOI:10.3390/s24144675] [PMID] []
47. Zhao J, Ma Y, Hu X. Analysis of quantile regression for race time in standard distance triathlons. PLoS One. 2024 Nov 1;19(11):e0313496. [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0313496] [PMID] []
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
