30 Chapter 2 Consequently, the results demarcate age categories in which high-competitive, sub-elite, elite level have been achieved in order to successfully continue towards top-elite level. From this study, we draw two conclusions. First, the results mark the important developmental stages of male and female top-elite swimmers by comparing their general level of performance with other performance groups. Top-elite swimmers are characterized by a high performance level from 12 years on and progressively outperform swimmers from similar age. However, this goes together with a large variety in the individual pathways towards top-elite level within and between sexes. Second, at a methodological level, the present study successfully applied the method of Stoter et al. (2019) and introduced an additional analysis that provided detailed insight about the age at which high-competitive, sub-elite, elite level was reached in order to make it to top-elite level in competitive swimming. This has the potential to be applied in other time-trial sports. Perspective The present study provides highly relevant and valuable information about the 100m freestyle performance development of male and female top-elite swimmers. The general developmental patterns and the first entry ages per performance level of male and female top-elite swimmers may function as guideline for coaches with athletes who are aiming to reach the top. With the results of this study, swimmers and coaches may get a better indication about which performance level at a certain age-range seems to be required to develop towards top-elite level. This may help swimmers and coaches in monitoring swim performance and setting realistic short and long-term goals. The paramount differences within and between the performance development of male and female top-elite swimmers underline the importance of a personalized approach and may have important implications on future training and athlete development programs. A next step to take is to longitudinally study the underlying performance and environmental characteristics leading to top-elite swim performance.
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