Dynamics of the Competitiveness of Russian Male and Female Pole Vaulters During the 2020–2024 Olympic Cycle
Авторы
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Aksana Gataullina
State University of Education
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Elena Shustova
State University of Education
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Aleksey Korolkov
State University of Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31489/3081-0531/2026-2-3(5)/12-18Ключевые слова:
pole vault, athletics, competitiveness, competitive performance, competitiveness coefficient, athletic reserve, Olympic cycle, competition results.Аннотация
The level of competitiveness in pole vaulting reflects not only athletic performance but also the effectiveness of athlete development within the discipline. This study examines changes in the competitive dynamics of Russian male and female pole vaulters during the 2020–2024 Olympic cycle and identifies factors associated with these changes. The analysis was based on official results from the Russian Indoor and Outdoor Athletics Championships. Competitive dynamics were assessed using a combination of literature review, comparative analysis of competition results, calculation of competitiveness coefficients, statistical analysis, and expert consultations with experienced pole vault specialists. The results indicate a gradual decline in competitiveness in the women’s event, accompanied by lower performance density and a widening gap between leading athletes and the remainder of the field. In contrast, the men’s event demonstrated relatively stable competitive characteristics throughout the study period. These findings provide an empirical assessment of the current state of the discipline and may contribute to improving long-term athlete development, optimizing competition planning, and monitoring the effectiveness of pole vault development programmes.
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