Can critical velocity and anaerobic swimming capacity be determined from estimated performance times in collegiate swimmers?

This study determined if the parameters of the critical velocity (CV) model could be derived from estimated performance times at various swimming distances and if those parameters could be used to predict performance above CV. Fourteen collegiate swimmers provided their actual performance times (AT_com) at distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800 m and estimated completion times (ET_com) at 150, 350, 500, and 1100 m. The total distance (TD) versus AT_com and ET_com relationships were used to derive actual and estimated CV and anaerobic swimming capacity (ASC). The TD versus ET_com relationship was used to predict times to completion (PT_com) for the 100, 200, 400, and 800 m. Significant relationships (r = 0.61 - 0.72) and no mean differences were observed between the actual and estimated parameters of CV and ASC. At 100 m, AT_com was significantly faster than PT_com, but there were no mean differences at 200, 400, and 800 m and no significant relationships between the AT_com and PT_com at any of the distances. These findings indicate that the parameters of the CV model can be derived from performance estimations in swimmers. The model, however, did not accurately predict individual performance times.