Swimming turn performance: the distinguishing factor in 1500 m world championship freestyle races?

Abstract Objective Turn sections represent the second largest part of total race time in 1500 m freestyle races and may substantially affect results. Therefore, aim study was to investigate individual strategies compare effect start, swim, turn performances between short-course long-course races. Video footages were collected from all 16 male finalists at 2018 short 2019 World swimming championships (age 23.06 ± 2.3 years, FINA points 941 42) for subsequently analysis turn, swim performance. Results The larger number turns resulted significantly faster times ( p = 0.004), but slower mean compared < 0.001). Total velocity closely correlated with not start section short- r ≥ 0.80, ≤ 0.017) 0.83, 0.011). Analysis showed that performance affected results 6 (75%) 3 (37.5%) 8 world-best swimmers races, respectively. Medal standing improved 1st, 3rd, 4th ranked as well 1st 2nd finalist. Coaches, athletes, analysts carefully consider importance additionally free-swimming skills.