COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PACING STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE IN MALE AND FEMALE 400 M ATHLETES: Using Principal Component Analysis

This study investigates pacing strategies and performance determinants in elite male and female 400 m athletes using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Split times over 100 m, 200 m, and 300 m were analyzed to identify key performance indicators and sex-specific differences in pacing. Results indicate that the 300 m and first 200 m splits are the most representative of overall performance in both sexes. Male athletes demonstrated more homogeneous pacing patterns, whereas female athletes showed greater variability, particularly in the final stages of the race.

Keywords: 400 m sprint; pacing strategy; performance analysis; sex differences; principal component analysis (PCA)