Strength and Speed Training Practices for Olympic Endurance Sports: Insights From World-Class Coaches

ABSTRACT: Haugen, T, Sandbakk, Ø, Bucher Sandbakk, S, and Tønnessen, E. Strength and speed training practices for Olympic endurance sports: Insights from world-class coaches. J Strength Cond Res 40(8): 1003-1012, 2026-This study aimed to identify common features and sport-specific variations in strength and speed training practices in Olympic endurance sports as described by world-class Norwegian coaches. A multiple case study design was used, and 12 successful male Norwegian coaches served as key informants. Together, they were responsible for athletes winning ∼400 international medals, representing long-distance running, biathlon, rowing, cross-country skiing, speed skating, road cycling, swimming, and triathlon. Data collection was based on a pragmatic 4-step procedure involving questionnaires, training logs, in-depth and semistructured interviews, followed by negotiation among researchers and coaches to assure our interpretations. The present coaches implemented strength and speed training to reduce injury risk, enhance work economy, finish/acceleration capacity, and skeletal health. The total volume of such training ranged from 20 to 200 hours·year -1 , depending on sport and contextual factors. The highest volumes and resistance loads were reached during preparation phases, and the strength and speed training were implemented at varying stages of the weekly cycle. Strength sessions typically consisted of 4-8 exercises, 2-4 sets per exercise, 5-10 repetitions per set, and up to 10 repetitions in reserve. The speed training was completed in sport-specific modality with an intensity >90% of maximal velocity. The coaches emphasized strength and speed training as supportive yet secondary to endurance development, often delegating its implementation to the athletes themselves or to specialized staff. The present insights offer valuable contributions to strength and speed training practices in endurance sports and lay the groundwork for future research exploring the effectiveness of these strategies.