Long-term development of performance, physiological, and training characteristics in a world-class female biathlete

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term development of performance, physiological, and training characteristics in a world-class female biathlete, with emphasis on differences between junior and senior athlete seasons.MethodsThe participant is a highly decorated female biathlete with 22 (10 gold) medals from international championships and 28 individual World Cup wins. Performance development (ages 17–33), physiological tests (ages 22–33), and day-to-day physical and shooting training (ages 17–33) were analyzed. Training data were systemized by endurance [low-intensity training (LIT), moderate-intensity training (MIT), and high-intensity training (HIT)], exercise mode, and strength training. Shooting training recorded for each session included the number of shots fired during rest, LIT, MIT, HIT, or competitions and time spent on dry fire training.ResultsThe annual volume of physical training (409–792 h·season−1) and number of shots fired (1,163–17,328 shots·season−1) increased from the age of 17 to 28 followed by a subsequent reduction in physical training (range 657–763 h·season−1) and shots fired (13,275–15,355 shots·season−1) during the seasons of peak performance at ages 31–33. Maximal oxygen uptake in roller ski skating increased by 10% (62.9–69.2 ml·kg−1·min−1) from the age of 22 to 27. The physical training volume was 48% higher (694 ± 60 vs. 468 ± 23 h·season−1, P = .030), with 175% more shots fired (14,537 ± 1,109 vs. 5,295 ± 3,425 shots·season−1, P = .016) as a senior athlete than a junior athlete. In the physical training, these differences were mainly explained by higher volumes of LIT (602 ± 56 vs. 392 ± 22 h·season−1, P = .032) and MIT (34 ± 1 vs. 7 ± 2 h·season−1, P = .001) but less HIT (27 ± 1 vs. 42 ± 3 h·season−1, P = .006) as a senior than a junior. In line with this, shooting training as a senior included more shots fired both at rest (5,035 ± 321 vs. 1,197 ± 518 shots·season−1, P = .011) and during LIT (7,440 ± 619 vs. 2,663 ± 1,975 shots·season−1, P = .031), while a smaller insignificant difference was observed in the number of shots fired in connection with MIT, HIT, and competitions (2,061 ± 174 vs. 1,435 ± 893 shots·season−1, P = .149).ConclusionsThis study provides unique insights into the long-term development of physical and shooting training from junior to senior in a world-class female biathlete. The major differences in training characteristics between junior and senior athlete seasons were higher sport-specific volumes of LIT and MIT and less HIT. These differences were accompanied by more shooting training, particularly at rest, and in connection with LIT.

Annual Volume and Distribution of Physical Training in Norwegian Female Cross-Country Skiers and Biathletes: A Comparison Between Sports, Competition Levels, and Age Categories—The FENDURA Project

“…Therefore, it is logical that biathletes' training time may be reallocated for shooting practice, from time spent on other types of (physical) training.Total volume of annual strength training was significantly higher (~+24%) for XC skiers compared to biathletes (~51 vs 41 h•year -1 ). This finding aligns with recent research indicating that XC skiers perform almost double the volume of strength training compared with biathletes 6,21. Similar to previous studies2,9 , senior XC skiers performed more strength training during the preparatory phases, followed by decreased volumes towards CP.…”

From juniors to seniors: changes in training characteristics and aerobic power in 17 world-class cross-country skiers

“…The total junior volume of ∼660 h discovered in this study is ∼25% higher than the volume during early senior age (21 years) reported for the most successful female XC-skier and male biathlete in history ( Solli et al, 2017 ; Schmitt et al, 2021 ). Consequently, the observed 35% increase in training volume ranks at the lower end of previous case studies on long-term development from early twenties to peak age in winter endurance atheletes, which ranged from 27% to 80% ( Solli et al, 2017 ; Rasdal et al, 2018 ; Schmitt et al, 2021 ; Solli et al, 2023 ). Given that no significant correlation emerged between junior training volume and generational aspects (year of birth) or junior age performance level (number of junior world championship medals) these factors can be ruled out as potential explanations.…”

“…Interestingly, the most pronounced changes in LIT from junior to senior age occurred during early preparation. We hypothesize that this is a consequence of natural progression and tolerance for higher training loads, as well as a higher degree of professionalization at senior age which is supported by a recent case study in biathlon (Solli et al, 2023). A high volume of training must be achieved throughout the year while ensuring that stress induced by training is at a sufficiently low level during competition season.…”

“…Increases in LIT over time have been observed in previous studies of XC-skiing ( Solli et al, 2017 ) and other endurance sports ( Tjelta, 2013 ; Schmitt et al, 2021 ). The most successful female XC-skier and a world-class biathlete both showed similar trends in changes of MIT and HIT ( Solli et al, 2017 ; Solli et al, 2023 ), while reports from other sports vary ( Staff et al, 2023 ). In addition to the high proportion of LIT, the present athletes performed more HIT than MIT at junior age.…”