Factors that differentiate successful and less successful sprinters

Abstract

The intent of this study was to explore the similarities in the factors that contribute to the performance of the World’s fastest human in the 100-meter race and that of high school sprinters. A total of 46 (male = 19 and female = 27) high school track and field sprinters were tested on their 30-meter spring and fly starts, air times, and ground times. Overall, male and female participants in this study spend more times on the ground reaction time compared with the successful Olympians. Participants in this study had similar times in the 30-meter sprint and fly starts and in the air times compared with the successful Olympians. It is suggested that track coaches improve athletes’ ground reaction times if they want them to be successful.