Race level comparison and variability analysis of 100 m freestyle sprinters competing in the 2019 European championships

ABSTRACT This study aimed to (i) compare the race performance of the swimmers with better performances and poorer performances during all sections of a 100 m freestyle event and (ii) compare stroke kinematics variables between tiers and analyse their stability in each tier. The sample was composed of 88 swimmers that participated in the 100 m Freestyle event at the 2019 LEN European Junior Championships. Speed achieved the largest difference between tiers in section (S) S0-15 m of lap #1 (mean difference = −0.109 s, p < 0.001). During the clean swim and finish phases, the stroke length and stroke index presented significant differences (p < 0.05) between tiers in all sections of the race (stroke frequency did not). Significant variances were noted for both tiers in all variables in both laps. Swimmers in tier #1 were significantly faster than swimmers in tier #2 especially in sections related to the push-off against a solid (block or wall), and finish. A significant variance was noted by both tiers during the race with a moderate-to-high normative stability. Coaches are advised to analyse and understand the swimmers' within-lap stability, which can give deeper details about their swimmers’ behaviour during the 100 m freestyle race.