This study quantified changes in training volume, organization, and physical capacity among Norwegian rowers winning international medals between 1970 and 2001. Twenty-eight athletes were identified (27 alive). Results of physiological testing and performance history were available for all athletes. Twenty-one of 27 athletes responded to a detailed questionnaire regarding their training during their internationally competitive years. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) increased 12% (6.5± 0.4 vs. 5.8±0.2 L min1) from the 1970s to the 1990s. Similarly, 6-min ergometer rowing performance increased almost 10%. Three major changes in training characteristics were identified: (1) training at a low blood lactate (<2 mM) increased from 30 to 50 h month1 and race pace and supra-maximal intensity training (814 mM lactate) decreased from 23 to 7 h month1; (2) training volume increased by 20%, from 924 to 1128 h yr1; (3) altitude training was used as a pre-competition peaking strategy, but it is now integrated into the winter preparation program as periodic 23-week altitude camps. The training organization trends are consistent with data collected on athletes from other sports, suggesting a "polarized" pattern of training organization where a high volume of low intensity training is balanced against regular application of training bouts utilizing 90%95% of VO2 max.
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