Work

Sport-Specific Anthropometry and Body Composition in Nicaraguan Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Anthropometric characteristics and body composition significantly influence elite sports performance.However, data on Olympic athletes remains limited.This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of Nicaraguan athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.Four female athletes (100-meter sprint, shortboard surfing, shooting, and short rowing) and one male athlete (400-meter butterfly swimming) participated in this case study.Measurements included 8 skinfolds, 13 girths, 9 lengths/heights, and 9 bone diameters, all assessed using calibrated Holway instruments following ISAK protocols.Data were processed through ISAKMetry software for body composition and somatotype analysis.The male swimmer exhibited the highest body mass (82.8 kg), height (183 cm), and wingspan (192.4 cm; relative span index: 105.1 %), while the shooter was the shortest (160 cm).Body fat percentage ranged from 18.2 % (swimmer) to 30.4 % (surfer), with the sprinter showing the lowest value among females (24.8 %).Muscle mass percentage varied from 41.4 % (surfer) to 53.7 % (shooter).Key indices revealed optimal muscle-to-bone (4.5) and fat-to-muscle (0.3) ratios in the shooter.The somatotypes found in the disciplines were: in athletics (100 m): mesomorphic ectomorph(1.8-3.0-3.7);Surfing: endomorphic mesomorph (3.0-3.6-2.3);Swimming: mesomorph endomorph (3.4-3.7-2.8);Shooting: ectomorphic mesomorph (1.5-4.9-3.2);Rowing: endomorphic mesomorph (3.4-5.5-1.5).These findings highlight distinct morphological patterns aligned with sport-specific demands, providing valuable reference data for talent identification and training optimization in elite Nicaraguan athletes.

Source: International Journal of Morphology

DOI: 10.4067/s0717-95022025000501685