Author(s): WEI, P., YUAN, T., DUAN, Y., Institution: CHINA INSTITUTE OF SPORT SCIENCE, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 1614

INTRODUCTION:
Jumping events such as long jump, triple jump, and pole vault require the integration of high approach velocity, effective force transmission, and stretch–shortening cycle (SSC) utilization. Sprint capacity, elastic-explosive ability, and maximal strength are widely regarded as key physical qualities underpinning performance; however, their relative contributions within elite cohorts remain insufficiently quantified. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between distinct physical capacity domains and competitive performance in elite jumping athletes.
METHODS:
Sixteen elite Chinese jumping athletes (long jump n = 8, triple jump n = 4, pole vault n = 4; mixed sex) were assessed during the pre-competition phase. The testing battery included 60 m sprint and flying 20 m sprint (sprint capacity), standing five-bound jump and short-approach jump (9–10 steps) (elastic-explosive ability), and standing long jump, backward medicine ball throw, 1RM power clean, and 1RM back squat (maximal strength). Physical test results were converted into standardized scores according to the official Chinese Athletics Association scoring system. To allow cross-event comparison, official competition results were transformed into standardized performance scores using the World Athletics Scoring Tables. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to determine relationships between physical capacity scores and competitive performance.
RESULTS:
Sprint capacity showed the strongest association with competitive performance. The 60 m sprint score was significantly correlated with performance (r = 0.72, p < 0.01), explaining approximately 52% of performance variance. The flying 20 m score also demonstrated a strong relationship (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Elastic-explosive indicators were significantly correlated with performance, with the five-bound jump score at r = 0.69 (p < 0.01) and the short-approach jump at r = 0.61 (p < 0.05). In contrast, maximal strength measures showed weaker associations (power clean r = 0.41; back squat r = 0.33). The composite fitness score correlated with performance at r = 0.66 (p < 0.01). Overall, speed- and SSC-related capacities demonstrated stronger associations with performance than maximal strength indicators.
CONCLUSION:
Within this elite jumping cohort, sprint capacity emerged as the primary physical correlate of competitive performance, while elastic-explosive ability provided an important complementary contribution. Maximal strength, although foundational, demonstrated comparatively limited discriminatory value. These findings suggest that, once adequate strength levels are achieved, training emphasis in elite jumpers may benefit from prioritizing sprint and SSC-based elastic-explosive development.