The results offer new insights for talent selection and training in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Shorter race, different physiological demands
With the World Rowing Championships approaching, the sport is once again attracting global attention. At the same time, the Olympic program is evolving. A shorter rowing distance of 1,500 meters has been proposed for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This raises the question of whether different physical qualities are required for this distance than for the classic 2,000-meter race.
To investigate this, Hofmijster had experienced rowers perform multiple maximum-effort sessions on a rowing ergometer. During these tests, researchers measured, among other things, oxygen consumption and power output. Based on these measurements, they calculated how much energy comes from the body’s aerobic and anaerobic energy systems: the aerobic system provides energy using oxygen and supports sustained exertion, while the anaerobic system provides energy without oxygen and is particularly important during short, explosive bursts of exertion.
Explosiveness becomes more important
The results show that the contribution of anaerobic energy production increases significantly as the race becomes shorter. During an effort comparable to a 2,000-meter race in a single scull, an average of 17.5 percent of the energy came from anaerobic systems. During an effort corresponding to the proposed 1,500-meter race in an eight, that figure rose to 27.5 percent. The average power output was also nearly 12 percent higher.
“That means explosiveness will play a greater role,” says Hofmijster. “For the new Olympic distance, you’ll likely need a slightly different type of rower: an athlete who, in addition to excellent endurance, also has more sprinting power.”
According to Hofmijster, this does not mean that today’s top rowers will suddenly fade from the scene. Endurance capacity remains very important even over 1,500 meters. But we do expect that, on average, successful rowers will be better able to deliver fast and anaerobic energy than before.”
Sprinting ability sets top rowers apart
Recent follow-up research, conducted in close collaboration with the Royal Dutch Rowing Association (KNRB), confirms these findings. The studies included both elite rowers and athletes from the Dutch talent development programme.
“We observed that all top rowers are in exceptionally good physical condition,” says Hofmijster. “It is precisely sprint power that appears to be the distinguishing factor in performance, especially over the 1,500-meter distance.”
Additional tests showed that rowers with high peak power during short, explosive efforts also perform better at shorter race distances. According to Hofmijster, such tests can help coaches better identify future talent and design more targeted training programs.
Research directly applied to practice
The research findings are quickly finding their way into sports practice. To this end, VU Amsterdam works closely with the KNRB, rowing clubs, and sports scientists who are involved in coaching Dutch rowers on a daily basis.
“Many students who participate in our projects are rowers or coaches themselves,” says Hofmijster. “Some are now working for the rowing federation or at clubs. This allows us to quickly translate research findings into training practice. We always strive to ensure that measurements not only yield scientific knowledge but are also directly applicable to coaches and athletes.”
No one-size fits-all approach to elite sports
Previous research by Mathijs Hofmijster, Stephan van der Zwaard, and colleagues showed that elite athletes do not all respond to training in the same way. Although every rower improved, the physiological and muscular adaptations varied considerably between individuals.
According to Hofmijster, this highlights the importance of personalised coaching. "Elite rowers are physiologically exceptional. Their aerobic fitness can be more than twice that of their peers. At that level, individual differences become increasingly important. By monitoring those differences, coaches can better tailor training to each athlete."
Fascinated by human performance
Hofmijster's interest in rowing research stems from his own rowing background and a long-standing fascination with human performance.
"I have always been interested in understanding what people can achieve through the right combination of training, technique and technology. Rowing is a fascinating case because athletes must not only generate enormous power, but also use that power efficiently to produce speed. It is precisely that combination that makes rowing so interesting from a scientific perspective.”