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Characteristics of Elite 10-km Open-Water Swimmers: A Systematic Review
Jose Miguel Fernández-Asensio1,2, Francisco Hermosilla-Perona2,3,4, Luis Rodríguez-Adalia3
1Sports Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|December 4, 2025
Summary
Peak open-water swimming performance is linked to physiological markers like VO2max and lactate threshold, biomechanical efficiency, and race tactics. Training should balance volume, threshold work, and sprints for optimal results.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Open-water swimming (OWS) performance is multifactorial, influenced by physical conditioning, biomechanics, anthropometrics, race tactics, and environmental conditions.
- Understanding these determinants is crucial for optimizing 10-km OWS event outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the key performance determinants in 10-km open-water swimming (OWS).
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- 16 studies published between 2000 and 2024 were included and categorized by performance factors.
Main Results:
- Peak performance ages were identified as 28.94 years for men and 27.40 years for women, suggesting experience is vital.
- Physiological factors like maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lactate threshold, along with anthropometric measures (body fat, lean mass index), significantly correlate with race results.
- Stroke index was a strong performance predictor (r = .91), and increasing stroke rate in the final meters can mitigate fatigue-induced velocity loss.
Conclusions:
- Optimal 10-km OWS performance requires integrating physiological capacity (VO2max, lactate threshold), biomechanical efficiency (stroke rate/length), and strategic race tactics (pacing, drafting).
- Training programs should incorporate a periodized approach with high-volume, low-intensity work, moderate threshold training, and high-intensity sprints.
