Is There a Relative Age Effect among the Most Successful Track and Field Athletes?

The prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was studied among medalists from the World Athletics Championships at U18, U20 and Senior age groups and from the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2022. The specific events examined were the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000/5000 m, the long jump, the triple jump, the high jump and the pole vault. Dates of birth from 1,858 outdoor track and field athletes were analysed and further divided into four groups according to the quartile of birth. The RAE was found to be widespread among athletes of both sexes in U18 and U20 age groups in all examined disciplines. There was no difference between the most successful U18 and U20 athletes (p = 0.52). Among senior athletes of both sexes, this effect was not detected and the number of "late-born" athletes in this age group was higher than athletes born in the first three quarters. The prevalence of the RAE across the four groups of events was found in U18 and U20 age groups. Additionally, within each age group, the difference among events was statistically significant. In most successful track and field athletes, the RAE is only significant in U18 and U20 age groups. In senior athletes, the number of "late-born" athletes is significant while RAE disappears. These data may be considered when assessing the athletic potential of an individual athlete.

The effects of anti-doping measures on sports performance in weightlifting.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating anti-doping measures is essential to optimise their effectiveness. Comparing sporting results that have a higher doping prevalence, such as weightlifting, before and after the implementation of anti-doping measures may serve as an effectiveness indicator. METHODS: The results of the most successful weightlifters of both sexes in two time periods, 2009-2015 and 2016-2022 were analysed. The Sinclair Total (ST) to compare the relative strength of weightlifters from different weight categories was calculated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the ST during 2016-2022 (p < 0.001) in athletes of all ages and both sexes overall was reported. When analysed by age, there was a decrease in ST in juniors and seniors of both sexes (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively), but not in youth. There was a decrease in the ST in senior men (p < 0.001), junior women (p < 0.001) and senior women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In elite weightlifting, adult athletic results declined during 2016-2022, which may partly be explained by the implementation of new methods to detect long-term anabolic androgenic steroid metabolites as well as other policies. This may highlight the effectiveness of these methods both in the prevention and detection of anti-doping rule violations.