Tactical positioning and pacing in the womens 1000m short track at the Winter Olympic Games
H. S. Andonov
, D. V. Ivanova
Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to investigate pacing behaviour, tactical positioning, and the relationship between race time and final classification in the women’s 1000 m short track speed skating event at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022. Methods: A total of 167 individual race performances were analysed across all competition rounds (heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals A and B). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s and Kendall’s tau-b correlations, and repeated measures ANOVA to assess lap-by-lap pacing behaviour. Results: Although no statistically significant differences were found between final rankings and best times achieved (p > 0.95), a strong positive correlation was observed (ρ = 0.696–0.788; p < 0.001). The analysis of tactical positioning revealed a weak relationship between early lap positions and final rank, while correlations increased notably after the fifth lap, peaking at laps 8 and 9. Pacing followed a non-linear profile: a slow beginning, progressive acceleration, and slight deceleration towards the end, with the seventh lap being the fastest. Discussion: Although finishing time does not directly determine final classification in short track, the strong correlation underscores its competitive significance. Tactical positioning suggest that success depends on effective positioning throughout the distance. The observed pacing profile has practical implications for optimising race tactics and performance modelling. Conclusion: Effective performance in the women’s 1000 m short track event requires the application of tactical models in training. Incorporating scenario-based simulations may enhance positioning, energy distribution, and finishing strategy, thereby improving competitive performance.
Series on Biomechanics, Vol.39, No. 4 (2025), 15-24
DOI: 10.7546/SB.02.04.2025
Keywords: competitive effectiveness; pacing behaviour; Short track speed skating; tactical positioning; winter olympic games
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| Date published: 2025-12-12
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