The Effect of Competitive Level and Gender on the Interval Speed Characteristics and Pacing Strategies of High-Level 100 m Backstroke Athletes in China

Background: This study was performed to investigate the influence mechanisms of competitive level and gender on the interval speed characteristics and pacing strategies of 100 m backstroke athletes. Methods: A total of 48 high-level male and female 100 m backstroke athletes were selected from the final rounds of three major competitions between 2023 and 2024. The athletes’ interval speed data across 16 segments were recorded and analyzed using the Dartfish software. Two-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to examine the correlation between interval speeds and total performance, as well as the pacing strategy characteristics of elite backstroke swimmers. Results: For male athletes, significant negative correlations were found between interval speeds and total performance in the 0–25 m, 40–45 m, 65–85 m, and 90–100 m segments (p < 0.05). For female athletes, significant negative correlations were observed in the 0–35 m, 40–45 m, 50–85 m, and 90–95 m segments (p < 0.05). The main effect of competitive level indicated that elite athletes achieved significantly higher interval speeds than sub-elite athletes in several race segments. Moreover, male athletes demonstrated significantly greater standardized speeds across multiple intervals (p < 0.05). Conclusion: (1) Elite athletes demonstrated significantly faster speeds in starts, turns, and the final 50 m sprint compared to sub-elite athletes, indicating higher power output during starts and turns during the race. (2) Male athletes generally exhibited a maximal-effort pacing strategy, as reflected in lower coefficients of variation in speed, while female athletes demonstrated a more balanced pacing pattern.