INTRODUCTION: This ongoing study aims to describe the specific somatotype and physical characteristics in junior (J) and senior (S) male and female elite alpine skiers. METHODS: Elite alpine skiers (males J=11 ,S=34;females J=34,S=15) from different national ski federations, participated in this study. Age was used to stratify the skiers (J<= 20 yrs; S > 20 yrs). Anthropometric data were collected following standardized procedures, allowing calculation of the somatotype using the Somatotype software (Sweat Technologies, 2001). Within the gender, J versus S groups were compared using an independent samples t-test (kinanthropometry) and an One Factor ANOVA (somatotypes) at the 5% signfficance level. RESULTS: The table shows FIS-points (range), age, gross anthropometric and somatotype characteristics (means and deviations) of the skiers. Most of the anthropometric variables under investigation differed (p<0.05) or tended to differ (p<0.10) between J and S skiers within both genders. Male J were balanced mesomorphs while their S peers were endomorphic mesomorphs. Female J and S skiers were mesomorph-endomorphs. DISCUSSION: Important degrees of endo- and mesomorphy were observed in J and S skiers of both genders. J vs. S males showed a lower degree of endo- but a higher degree of ectomorphy. Female J vs. S showed already similar somatotypes. Muscularity and body mass are important factors for success in alpine skiing. It can be assumed that normal growth processes will further increase the level of both fat free and fat mass in J, decreasing the important difference in mean body mass between J and S skiers in both genders. Body fatness could be functional as it may support gravity effects. This study supports the findings of Taeymans el al (2008) that especially the S females show a high degree of relative body fat. CONCLUSION: Male J were balanced mesomorphs while their S peers were endomorphic mesomorphs. Female J and S were mesomorph-endomorphs. A high degree of relative body fat seems not to be a limiting factor for success in female S skiers. REFERENCES Taeymans et al. Anthropometric characteristics in female skiers, Book of Abstracts First international congress on Science and skiing in the lowlands on October 11, 2008
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