CORRELATION BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPETITIVE RESULTS OF ELITE JUNIOR JAVELIN THROWERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find the anthropometric characteristics of elite junior javelin throwers on a sample of eleven finalists of the European Athletic Junior Championship (MEPA, 1998). The chosen subjects were measured with a set of nine anthropometric variables, according to the methodology prescribed by the International Biologic Programme. The results show that no common constitutional type of a junior javelin thrower exists, but that the anthropometric characteristics are very individually defined. Correlational analysis shows that no statistically significant (P<0.05) correlations exist between the individual anthropometric characteristics of the throwers with their competitive result. Successful javelin throwing is therefore a synthesis of anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities, as well as an optimal technique.