Analysis of 800 m results and pacing strategies for male athletes in the Japan junior high school championships (2021-2024)

This study analyzes the 800-meter race results of male athletes in the Japan Junior High School Championships from 2021 to 2024, focusing on performance in the preliminaries and finals, pacing trends, and key factors affecting results. The data were sourced from official results reports and video analysis, examining the impact of pacing strategies on competition outcomes. By comparing data over the four years, the study reveals athlete performance characteristics, strategy differences, and the effects of energy distribution on results. The findings show that negative split pacing was used in 2021 and 2022, while positive split pacing predominated in 2023 and 2024, with a general trend of slower second laps. Excessive energy expenditure in the preliminaries also affected the finals. The speed in the second lap was found to be highly correlated with final rankings, with athletes employing even or negative split strategies performing better. This study provides insights into pacing strategies for junior high school athletes and serves as a reference for coaches and athletes in tactical planning.