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HMS, BM 2020 HSC 23

An athlete ran in the 100-metre final at an Olympic Games.

  1. In the table below, identify the predominant energy system used by the athlete,
    and the features of that energy system.   (3 marks)

    Predominant energy system used by this athlete  
    Source of fuel  
    Energy system duration  
    Cause of fatigue  
    Rate of recovery  
  2. Compare how anxiety and arousal may have affected the athlete’s performance
    when competing in this 100-metre final. Provide examples to support your
    answer.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only
a.   
 Predominant energy system used by this athlete ATP-PCr system (Alactacid system)
  Source of fuel Creatine phosphate (CP)
  Energy system duration 6-12 seconds
  Cause of fatigue Depletion of creatine phosphate stores
  Rate of recovery 2-3 minutes for complete recovery

b.    Similarities:

  • Both anxiety and arousal can negatively impact the sprinter’s performance if levels become too high.
  • Both factors influence the athlete’s ability to execute optimal technique and can cause muscle tension that restricts smooth movement patterns during the race.

Differences:

  • Anxiety is a psychological state involving fear and worry about competitive outcome. High anxiety may cause the sprinter to overthink race strategy, leading to delayed reaction time from starting blocks and mental distraction affecting stride mechanics.
  • Arousal refers to physiological activation levels. Optimal arousal enhances alertness and muscle readiness for explosive starts. However, excessive arousal creates physical tension that reduces stride length and power output through restricted movement patterns.
Show Worked Solution
a.   
 Predominant energy system used by this athlete ATP-PCr system (Alactacid system)
  Source of fuel Creatine phosphate (CP)
  Energy system duration 6-12 seconds
  Cause of fatigue Depletion of creatine phosphate stores
  Rate of recovery 2-3 minutes for complete recovery

b.    Similarities:

  • Both anxiety and arousal can negatively impact the sprinter’s performance if levels become too high.
  • Both factors influence the athlete’s ability to execute optimal technique and can cause muscle tension that restricts smooth movement patterns during the race.

Differences:

  • Anxiety is a psychological state involving fear and worry about competitive outcome. High anxiety may cause the sprinter to overthink race strategy, leading to delayed reaction time from starting blocks and mental distraction affecting stride mechanics.
  • Arousal refers to physiological activation levels. Optimal arousal enhances alertness and muscle readiness for explosive starts. However, excessive arousal creates physical tension that reduces stride length and power output through restricted movement patterns.

♦♦ Mean mark 49%.