Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 2025 |
| Title of the paper: | Tapering practices of elite swimmers leading into the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games: a descriptive study |
| Authors: | Farrell, S., McGibbon, K; Sayers, M; Buhmann, R |
| Institution: | University of the Sunshine Coast |
| Department: | School of Health |
| Country: | Australia |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: Tapering is an important aspect of swimmers competition preparation. It involves a planned reduction in training load before an event, aiming to optimise performance by maintaining intensity while decreasing overall workload (1). Despite well-established tapering recommendations, it remains unclear whether coaches adhere to these guidelines. Understanding whether the taper designed by elite coaches is consistent with current evidence is essential to determine if athletes are in peak condition for competition. METHODS: This study examined the current tapering strategies of elite Australian swimmers (n = 9 males, n = 7 females) in the lead-up to the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Trials, as well as the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games and aimed to describe changes in training volume, intensity, frequency and duration during a taper. This study also described differences between non-disabled and para-athletes as well as sprint and middle distance athletes. Total training volume and distance in Zones 1-3 were collected during training using Commit Swimming and the AMS (Athlete Management System). RESULTS: In the lead-up to the Australian Swimming Trials, the Paralympic group reduced total training volume by 42.2% (sprint) and 45.6% (middle distance), while the Olympic group tapered volume by 43.3% (sprint) and 30.8% (middle-distance). Paralympic swimmers reduced training in Zone 1 by 34.8% (sprint) and 42.0% (middle-distance), in Zone 2 by 68.2% (sprint) and 72.0% for (middle-distance), and in Zone 3 by 54.9% (sprint) and 47.0% (middle-distance). Olympic swimmers decreased Zone 1 volume by 41.1% (sprint) and 29.7% (middle-distance); Zone 2 volume by 67.7% (sprint) and 55.3% (middle-distance); and Zone 3 volume by 50.6% (sprint) and 53.2% (middle distance). Leading into the Paralympic Games, training volume was reduced by 54% (sprint) and 61.8% (middle-distance). Para sprint swimmers decreased Zone 1, 2, and 3 training by 44.6%, 73.2 % and 83.5%, while middle-distance athletes reduced Zone 2 and 3 training volume by 88.9% and 89.0%. Across all groups, high-intensity training (Zones 2 and 3) experienced the largest reductions, often exceeding 70% in the lead-up to both Trials and the 2024 Paralympic Games. CONCLUSION: Several groups exhibited tapering strategies inconsistent with the current guidelines. Reduction in total training volume was often lower than recommended, and reductions in high intensity training were mainly responsible for reduced overall training volume. These observations suggest performance may be optimised in these swimmers through more effective tapering strategies, particularly in sprint swimmers. These findings provide valuable insights into real-world tapering practices and their potential effects on elite swimming performance, informing future programming strategies for future Olympic and Paralympic athletes. 1. Mujika I, Padilla S. Scientific Bases for Precompetition Tapering Strategies. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2003;35 |
| Topic: | Training and Testing |
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