Track and Field Masters Athletics

This book provides a holistic, scientifically founded platform of knowledge about track and field Masters athletics, a phenomenon to which approx. 100,000 athletes subscribe world-wide. Although largely neglected by the media, the sport is well-organized and provides a platform for achieving astounding performances across the age spectrum. Masters athletes have often been apostrophized as role models of successful aging. Indeed, their body’s physique, and their fitness levels often let them appear younger than they are. However, success in the sport is only possible for those who consider the toll of aging in their training plans, but this is currently done mostly on an intuitive level. The book links all relevant aspects, ranging from organizational topics (including anti-doping), the biological, physiological and psychosocial principles of training and aging, a scientifically founded approach to training prescription, as well as the pertinent information to balance holistic health and performance benefits with the risk of injury and age-related physiological and socio-cultural factors. The book serves as a reference to the increasing number of researchers in the field of Masters athletics, as it provides relevant information to physicians, sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists in their support for athletes, and it will be valuable to stakeholders and organizers who organize, market and broadcast events. Finally, it will help athletes and judges to better understand the intricate interplay between aging, training, fitness and performance, thereby eventually improving safety and quality of the sport.