182 Chapter 8 While both males and females on track to the elite level are characterized with faster season best times from early junior age onwards, a noticeable one-to-two-year gap between sexes emerged up to the late junior years (see Chapter 2). This gap, marked by higher performance levels for females, remains consistent across studies examining the developmental pathways of international, elite swimmers and Dutch youth swimmers. The lead-start for females aligns with the earlier onset of physical maturation compared to males, providing objective data demonstrating its impact throughout adolescence. A closer examination of the underlying performance characteristics reveals that males and females distinguished themselves from lower-performing peers on different factors of swim performance. Specifically, during the pubertal years, females on track set themselves apart from lower-performing peers on height and lower body power, whereas males did not. Moreover, the faster progression in season best times among females is primarily associated with solely maximal swimming velocity rather than SI. This reinforces the notion that during the pubertal years, females differentiate themselves on the more physical aspects compared to males. At late junior age, differences between males and females appear regarding their proficiency in crucial race components. Males on track outperformed their lower-performing peers on starts and turns, whereas no between-group differences were found in females. Conversely, females on track distinguish themselves on SI, demonstrating considerably higher swimming efficiency than males, despite having comparable levels of maximal swimming velocity at late junior age. Moreover, given the significant progression of SI during the late junior to early senior transition in females, their improvements in season best times seem to be particularly related to enhancements in swimming efficiency as opposed to the pubertal years. As males demonstrated faster improvements in maximal swimming velocity and turns, their progress is likely associated with power output variables in the water rather than swimming efficiency. Considerations and limitations Considering this thesis, it is important to acknowledge certain considerations and limitations. First, our findings stem from retrospective analyses, and therefore describe the general developmental patterns of swimmers up to their highest level of performance in their careers thus far. As we did not make direct predictions about swim performances in adulthood, it is crucial to understand that our results do not prescribe and dictate future development. Instead, they offer insights for coaches to guide, evaluate and optimize a swimmer’s developmental trajectory. Second, given the multitude of factors contributing to swim performance, including both measurable and intangible elements, it is important to note that we deliberately
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