Different competition approaches in a world-class 50-km racewalker during an Olympic year

The aim of this case study was to compare the competition approaches for the Race Walking World Cup and the Olympic Games of a world-class 50-km racewalker. Total training volumes, intensity distribution, performance tests, high altitude stages and the evolution of his haematological values during the season were analysed. The last 12 weeks before the Race Walking World Cup (Approach 1) and the Olympic Games (Approach 2) were used for data analysis. Approach 1 was characterized by lower training volumes (791.7±192.8 min vs. 959.0±120.0 min ES=1.0, large effect) and a higher incidence of high intensity training (ES<0.8, large effect), than Approach 2. Approach 1 resulted in lower blood lactate values at set speeds, better haematological values and a better performance in the Race Walking World Cup than in the Olympic Games (3h47'30'' vs. 3h51'30"). According to the results of this analysis, it seems that a training strategy characterised by a higher incidence of high intensity training and lower volume of work may lead to superior training adaptations and performance in 50-km racewalking. This may help elite racewalkers and their coaches to achieve an optimum performance in their major goal competitions.