New Study Challenges Conventional Sprinting Techniques, Emphasizing Individual Traits for Speed

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:58:00 +0200

A new study led by Flinders University and published in Sports Medicine challenges the traditional belief that there is a single, ideal sprinting technique for elite athletes. The research reveals that world-class sprinters, including rising Australian star Gout Gout, achieve speed through a combination of unique physical traits, coordination, and strength, rather than copying another athlete's technique. The study adopts a dynamical systems approach, suggesting that the interaction between an athlete’s body, environment, and training plays a key role in how they sprint. Dr. Dylan Hicks, the lead author, explains that sprinting is more complex than previously thought, with the best sprinters demonstrating different movement patterns. The research also emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to develop techniques suited to their individual bodies, rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all model. By embracing individual strengths and movement variability, coaches can better suppor