BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to classify Olympic medalists and non-medalists among national bobsled and skeleton athletes and determine the physical fitness differences between the two groups. METHODS: Five bobsleigh and skeleton athletes who won gold and silver medals in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and 11 national bobsled and skeleton team athletes were recruited. The participants were assessed for physiological parameters such as body composition, anthropometry, physical fitness, isokinetic strength, and maximum strength. RESULTS: Physical fitness factors back strength (t=2.571, P<0.05), squat ability (t=3.061, P<0.01), and left and right leg curls (t=4.578, P<0.001; t=4.719, P<0.001, respectively) were significantly different between the groups. The original value of the primary discriminant analysis was 1.868 and the canonical correlation was 0.807. The average value of the discriminant function of the medalists was 1.896, while the of the non-medalists was -0.862, indicating that the two groups were completely different. CONCLUSIONS: Medalists have higher squat abilities, abdominal strength, and leg curl strength than non-medalists, particular regarding hamstring strength. Currently, in most sports events, athletes undergo physical training to improve performance; however, training programs that reflect the characteristics of the sport and the physical characteristics of excellent athletes are still insufficient.
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