| Abstrakt: |
Research aim: The present study explored the trends in the global competition results of the 800-m event over the past two decades. The study tested the hypothesis that slow tactical racing has been less frequently pursued at the global competitions of the past years than previously. Materials and method: The sample included competitors participating in the World Championships and Olympic Games held between 1999 and 2021, including 16 men's events and 13 women's events (N = 1000). The data analysis focused on the results and seasonal bests (SB) of those proceeding from the two qualifying rounds by rank or result (Q; q) and of medal winners of the finals. Furthermore, the two indices were combined into a percentage SB index (%SB) for each participant. Mean comparisons between male and female competitors and between medal winners and nonwinners were conducted with independent samples t-tests. The possible trends in the competitors' results were explored with polynomial trendlines fitted to the observed data. Results: Neither of the three indices showed an improving trend over the past two decades among either men or women. Those proceeding from the qualifying rounds and medal winners gradually approached their best performance in each round, reaching peak performance in the finals (%SB: Qualifying rounds: Men: 98.35±0.41%; Women: 98.31±0.80%; Semifinals: Men: 99.10±0.60%; Women: 99.52±0.89%; Finals: Men: 99.45±1.07%; Women: 100.04±1.07%). Conclusions: No improving trend is observable in performance at the global 800-m competitions of the past two decades. Competitors gradually approach their best performance in each round, reaching peak performance in the finals. This is probably due to the three-round procedure of global competitions held over the past two decades. In the finals, men are equally likely to pursue slow tactical racing (2000, 2009, 2021) and to achieve new records (1999, 2012, 2016, 2019), whereas women are less likely to engage in slow tactical racing (except in 2003 and 2005). All those competing in the finals possess highly equal skills, thus pursuing adequate racing tactics is indispensable for medal winning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
