ELITE MALE AND FEMALE SPRINTERS' BODY BUILD, STRIDE LENGTH AND STRIDE FREQUENCY

Different authors and coaches have been trying to find optimal parameters of sprint strides to improve runners’ speed. In this study the authors discuss which of the stride parameters (length or frequency) has the greatest impact on 100-m results. The study was carried out on a sample of 109 men and 79 women elite sprinters taking part in the 2003 World Championships in Paris. The research revealed that stride frequency decided about the results of the elite female sprinters, while the stride length was the most important stride parameter in male sprinters. Taller male sprinters obtained better 100-m run results. Body mass and body height significantly influenced the stride parameters – the bigger the body mass and height, the longer the strides and the lower stride frequency of the competitors. The research results point to diversity in sprint training programs for men and women.