The Speed Lab Podcast Ken Clark: What Makes An Athlete Fast?
45 snips
Sep 25, 2025 In this discussion, Ken Clark, a kinesiology professor and sprint biomechanics expert, delves into the intricacies of speed development. He explores the mechanics behind acceleration and top speed, highlighting the vital roles of vertical and horizontal forces. Ken shares insights on how elite sprinters differ in their ground striking through his two-mass model theory. Topics like the surprising relationship between foot speed and ground speed and the importance of muscle-tendon interactions during braking provide listeners with valuable training takeaways for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Vertical Force In Short Contact Times
- Top speed depends on applying large vertical force in very short ground contact times.
- Elite sprinters apply sufficient vertical impulse in ~0.08–0.10 s to sustain high velocity.
Horizontal Force Drives Early Acceleration
- During initial acceleration horizontal propulsive force relative to body mass drives acceleration.
- As the runner becomes more upright the resultant force vector shifts toward vertical demands.
SMU Lab Tested 500+ Runners
- Ken recounted his SMU lab work testing over 500 runners from Olympic medalists to average participants.
- Their early isometric strength tests gave way to discovering limb mechanics and stiffness explained elite differences.