The 100 m sprint is one of the most popular events in athletics. The sprint has traditionally been characterised by three phases: the acceleration phase, where there is a rapid increase in velocity; the maximum velocity phase, where there is a further increase until maximum velocity is achieved and maintained; and finally the deceleration phase, where there is a gradual decrease in velocity until the end of the race. Identifying areas of improvement throughout the race can assist coaches in the development of appropriate training strategies for their athletes.

Previous research in elite male athletes has demonstrated that key race variables related to velocity characteristics of each of the phases of a 100 m sprint can be accurately modelled using only four split times: 0-20, 20-40, 40-60 and 60-80 m. Using this modelling approach it was found that faster male athletes (100 m sprint time: 9.58 – 10.02 s) achieved significantly faster maximum velocities (6%) and lower relative acceleration scores (4.3%) compared to slower male sprinters (100 m sprint time: 10.27 – 10.59 s). Faster sprinters also had a lower relative loss in end of race velocity (-17.6%) although this was not statistically significant. This modelling approach has yet to be used in elite female sprinters who typically have different acceleration characteristics compared to elite men.