Aging Performance for Masters Records in Athletics, Swimming, Rowing, Cycling, Triathlon, and Weightlifting

Abstract

Record performances for Masters sporting events for swimming, cycling, triathlon, rowing, and weightlifting were analyzed and then compared with the authors' previously published results for Masters running, walking, and jumping sports events. Records were normalized using the 30s age records as a baseline, and studied through the various age ranges to the 90s. A curvilinear mathematical model [y = 1 − exp((T − T₀)/τ)] was again used for the major comparisons, along with slope changes using a linear model [y = α(T − )] across the age groupings. All sports declined with increasing age, with rowing showing the least deterioration. Performances in running, swimming, and walking were reasonably well maintained, followed by greater decline with age for cycling, triathlon, and jumping events. Weightlifting showed the fastest and greatest decline with increasing age. The relative performances for women, when compared with men's performances for these Masters events, was approximately 80% to 85%, with jumping at 73% and weightlifting at 52%. These relative performances compared with World Record comparisons of approximately 90% (with weightlifting at approximately 75%). All these results show no greater decline with age for endurance events over the sprint events, though there was a greater decline for the strength events of weightlifting and jumping. There may be real physiological differences for these strength events, or there may be other explanations such as training or competitive considerations or smaller numbers participating.

The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution made by Dr. Martin Turner, formerly of the Department of Anaesthesia University of Sydney, to the development of the ideas and analysis for this article.

Notes

Note. R ² = coefficient of determination; τ = time constant of curvilinear decline; T ₀ = age at which performance has declined by 100%.

See Baker et al., 2003, for individual events within the fields of Running, Walking, and Jumping.

Note. See Baker et al., 2003, for individual events within the fields of Running, Walking, and Jumping.

Note. These results show a steady increase in the declining slope with increasing age for all sports. Rowing is separated because of the different age ranges used in this sport.

Note. S = statistically significant, p < .05; NS = statistically nonsignificant.

Note. W-L = Weightlifting; 30 = 30–39 years; 50 = 50–64 years; 65 = 65–79 years; 80 = >80 years.

Note that rowing cannot be compared with the other sports because of the different age ranges used in Master's rowing.

^a For instance, swimming performance only declines faster than walking for males >80 years and faster than triathlon for females 30–39 years of age, whereas weightlifting performance declines faster for most sports for both males and females.