A mathematical model to select the optimal age group classified freestyle relay teams for a masters swimming competition

Abstract

This study extends the research frontier of relay swim team selection. In particular, theextension is to select the optimum teams for a club competing at a masters competition. Themodel uses an integer optimisation routine to select several teams of different cumulativeages who fall into the age classification categories defined at masters level. Data analysed todemonstrate the method is based on the best times of masters competitors for a swimmingclub in South Africa.