Evaluation of physical fitness in track and field throwing athletes across different competitive levels

A comprehensive understanding of physical fitness across different competitive levels is essential in track and field athletics. Coaches of throwers typically develop training regimens tailored to either performance levels or the specific needs of individual athletes to maximize physical fitness and ultimately enhance competitive throwing performance. However, it remains uncertain whether the competitive level of athletes may require different training designs. Thus, this study aimed to assess and compare the physical fitness levels among throwers across varying competitive levels. Twenty-eight throwers (20 males, 8 females; age: 18.2 ± 2.7 years; body mass: 89.8 ± 15.1 kg; body height: 178.5 ± 9.9 cm) participated in the study. These athletes were categorized into three competitive experience groups: national level (n = 10), international level (n = 7), and international medallists (n = 11). During a summer training camp, comprehensive measurements were conducted, encompassing various aspects of physical fitness. These assessments comprised the following parameters: 20 m sprint time, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and power, standing long jump distance, handgrip isometric strength, and body composition analysis. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing one-way ANOVA. The results of the study revealed no significant differences for all variables between the three groups (p > 0.05). In addition, significant correlations were found between measures of physical fitness for both male and female athletes (i.e., body composition and physical fitness measurements). Therefore, in the early stage of throwers yearly preparation (i.e., summer training camp), physical fitness might be similar for throwers regardless of their competitive levels. From a practical perspective, coaches may design similar training programs for athletes especially in the beginning of the preparation phase in an attempt to enhance competitive performance among athletes with different competitive levels. Moreover, body composition may be a good predictor of physical fitness in both male and female thrower athletes. Key Words: Track and field, athletic performance, skeletal muscle, shot put, hammer throw, javelin throw.