The purpose of this study was to examine the technique of elite junior race walkers competing of the 8th European Cup Race Walking. Both the junior men's and junior women's races were videoed with two cameras placed at the side of the course where the athletes passed on every lap. Analyses of 20 competitors in each race show that stride length and stride frequency were greater in the fastest groups of athletes. Stride length differences between left-to-right and right-to-left strides were noticeable in a number of athletes and these imbalances should be rectified to improve walking efficiency and reduce risk of injury. Flight times were short in the majority of athletes and slower athletes displayed no loss of contact. Athletes were also capable of maintaining straight knees from contact to the vertical upright position. However, many athletes appeared inefficient with regard to rotational motions, with poor pelvic rotation and ungainly arm movements. Junior athletes should spend time developing their technique in order to improve efficiency, reduce the risk of injury, and lessen the chance of disqualification. Training programmes to develop both muscular power and endurance are recommended to prepare junior athletes for the demands of senior level competition.
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