Fig. 1

Summary of physiological and biomechanical changes according to race distance and athlete level. Swim segment influences the subsequent cycle one eliciting both physiological and biomechanical changes, which may vary according to race distance and athlete level. The ring charts are nonquantitative interpretations of variables (race distance and athlete level) triggering greater or smaller physiological and biomechanical changes. The colors and size of ring sections are qualitative examples to visually explain the physiological and biomechanical changes during different race distances and according to the athlete level. The top ring chart shows that greater modifications (red, orange, and gray sections) occur in short distances (MTR, SD, and OD), whereas longer distances (HD/FD) elicit fewer physiological and biomechanical changes (yellow sections). The bottom ring chart shows that physiological and biomechanical changes are more evident in novice athletes (green segment) compared to professional athletes (blue segment). HD Half distance; FD Full distance; MTR Mixed-team relay; OD Olympic distance; SD Sprint distance