Success factors in elite WTF taekwondo competitors

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to identify selected success factors of elite Olympic taekwondo competitors in the context of medals that they have or have not won during Polish Senior Championships (PSCs). Material/Methods: Sixty-four elite male taekwondo competitors took part in the study. The competitors were divided into two groups on the basis of their achievements: PSC medallists and non-medallists. Factors determining sports success were modelled with the use of a general linear model (GLM). The procedure lasted until the minimum of the quality criterion, i.e., the Akaike information criterion (AIC), was reached. Results: Successful competitors (medallists) demonstrated significantly better technique, conditioning and flexibility parameters. Technical skills (e.g., strikes and side and roundhouse kicks), speed, dynamic strength and endurance were the factors that contributed to the achievement of excellent results in taekwondo. Conclusions: The research results revealed groups of success factors in taekwondo at a national level. Variables concerning kicks exerted the greatest influence on point scores (360° dollyo chagi montong – 41% and dollyo chagi – 31%).