Relative Age Effect in Weightlifting: An Evaluation on Athletes’ Age Categories and Performance

Authors : Bekir Tokay, Yasin Akıncı
Pages : 185-201
Doi:10.17644/sbd.1684807
View : 144 | Download : 89
Publication Date : 2025-09-05
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This aim of this study is to examine the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in weightlifting by analysing the distribution of athletes\\\' birth months. Data on birth dates and performance were collected for 3519 male and female athletes competing in the U15, Youth, Junior, and U23 categories at the European Weightlifting Championships between 2018 and 2023 (excluding 2020), sourced from the European Weightlifting Federation’s official records. Observed and expected distributions according to birth month were compared using the Pearson chi-square (χ²) test, while one-way ANOVA and Welch ANOVA were employed to assess the effects of birth month on total weight lifted and medal acquisition. The results revealed significant deviations from an even distribution, with a marked overrepresentation of athletes born in the first quarter of the year, indicating the presence of RAE. This pattern was particularly pronounced in the U15 and Junior categories. Analyses further demonstrated that birth month had a significant effect on total weight lifted in specific age and weight categories; however, no significant effect was found between birth month and medal attainment. These findings may indicate that weightlifters born in the earlier months of the year gain certain advantages in terms of representation and performance compared to their peers, primarily due to early developmental benefits. However, this situation does not singularly determine athletic success; rather, it can unjustly narrow the talent pool and potentially hinder long-term development. Furthermore, factors such as training duration, cumulative experience, and individual developmental trajectories also play a decisive role in shaping performance outcomes. Overall, the study highlights the need to consider the impact of relative age when developing talent identification and athlete development programmes within weightlifting.
Keywords : Bağıl yaş etkisi (BYE), Doğum Ayı, Gençler, Halter, Performans

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