Kinematic Analysis of Olympic Sprint Performance: Men's 200 Meters

TLDR

Prior studies have used kinematic variables to analyze elite sprinters. The study investigated selected kinematic variables of the gold, silver, and eighth‑place finishers in the men’s 200‑m final at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Cinematographic recordings at 100 fps were taken at the 125‑m and 180‑m marks, and computer‑generated analysis produced direct performance metrics and upper and lower body kinematics. Finish position was linked to body horizontal velocity, stride rate, and support time, while upper‑leg angle at takeoff, upper‑leg velocity during support, lower‑leg velocity at touchdown, foot‑to‑body touchdown distance, and relative foot velocity at touchdown emerged as critical determinants of success.

Abstract

Selected kinematic variables in the performance of the Gold and Silver medalists and the eighth-place finisher in the men's 200-meter sprint final at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games were investigated. Cinematographic records were obtained for all track running events at the Games, with the 200-meter performers singled out for initial analysis. In this race, sagittal view filming records (100 fps) were collected at the middle (125-meter mark) and end (180-meter mark) of the performance. Computer-generated analysis variables included both direct performance variables (body velocity, stride rate, etc.) and upper and lower body kinematics (upper arm position, lower leg velocity, etc.) that have previously been utilized in the analysis of elite athlete sprinters. The difference in place finish was related to the performance variables body horizontal velocity (direct), stride rate (direct), and support time (indirect). The critical body kinematics variables related to success included upper leg angle at takeoff (indirect), upper leg velocity during support (direct), lower leg velocity at touchdown (direct), foot to body touchdown distance (indirect), and relative foot velocity at touchdown.