Which of the following is true about maximum velocity sprinting?

• A. Ground contact times are longer than in acceleration.
• B. Stride frequency is lower at maximum velocity.
• C. Braking forces are reduced to help maintain speed.
• D. Flight times are shorter than during acceleration.

Answer: (C)

In maximum velocity sprinting, the goal is to keep speed by minimizing slowing forces from the ground. The runner places the foot under the body's center of mass and uses a force vector that is more vertical, which produces a strong forward push with a reduced backward (braking) component. This reduction in braking impulse helps maintain high forward velocity between contacts.

As speed climbs, ground contact times become shorter and flight times lengthen, and stride frequency tends to be high. The statement about braking forces being reduced best captures the essential reason you can sustain near-maximum speed, whereas the other points describe conditions that don’t align with how velocity is maintained in this phase.