As I write this, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are in full swing and like countless others, I found myself on the edge of my seat watching the men’s 100-meter final. Not only was I in awe by how tight a finish it was but I was also struck by the difference in physique between a sprinter and a distance runner.
While sprinters are typically more muscular and defined, with broad shoulders and powerful legs, distance runners tend to have a leaner, more slender build. Eager to find out why the physiques of both athletes are so different, I reached out to running coach and sports scientist Emma Kirk-Odunubi for some answers.
