A speed-oriented phenotype is beneficial for 1500 m rowing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

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Authors

  • Erik Baumann Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Emma M C van der Vorst Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Mathijs J Hofmijster Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit / Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science / 3 Amsterdam Movement Sciences – Sports, The Netherlands

Abstract

The shorter rowing course at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which is 1500 m instead of 2000 m, potentially alters the physiological demands of racing. This study aims to elucidate whether the shortened distance favours rowers with a more speed-oriented phenotype, using two non-invasive profiling approaches: locomotor profiling and force-velocity (F-v) profiling.

Together, these findings support the notion that the shortened Olympic rowing distance places greater emphasis on speed -ability, a challenge that suits athletes leaning towards a more speed-oriented phenotype. While aerobic capacity remains essential in 1500 m rowing, subtle adjustments in athlete selection and training toward increased anaerobic and explosive qualities may optimize performance at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.


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Artigo adaptado e traduzido para o português pelos editores de OLYMPIKA MAGAZINE para republicação, conforme normas de submissão do periódico. Versão original em: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10357794/. LICENÇA ORIGINAL E DA VERSÃO: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Published

2026-09-03

How to Cite / Vancouver

1.
Baumann E, van der Vorst EMC, Hofmijster MJ. A speed-oriented phenotype is beneficial for 1500 m rowing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. OlyMag [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 3 [cited 2026 Sep. 10];4(4):e004-36. Available from: https://www.olympika.org/index.php/Olympika-Magazine/article/view/36
Republished from: European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2026 May 16;126(8):4243–51.

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