ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СУЧАСНОЇ ЗМАГАЛЬНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ БІГУНІВ НА СЕРЕДНІ ДИСТАНЦІЇ

Abstract. The relevance of the study is determined by the decline in the performance of Ukrainian middle-distance runners and the need to review traditional approaches to their training. Analysis of global training models focused on the development of speed and speed-strength qualities is the basis for finding the optimal balance between speed and endurance in the modern training system. Problem statement. The modern athletics community, particularly high-performance sports, is in crisis. Running disciplines, covering more than 26 Olympic sports, have been particularly affected. During the last two Olympic Games, the representation of the Ukrainian national team in running disciplines has decreased threefold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and military actions on the territory of the country. The effectiveness of training middle-distance runners is determined by the competition calendar, the individual characteristics of the athlete and the characteristics of the distance, as well as the quality management of macro-, meso- and microcycles. Although existing training systems in foreign schools demonstrate high performance, they have limitations due to insufficient consideration of the athlete's biomechanics, physiology, and biochemistry. Therefore, simply borrowing training methods without scientific justification does not guarantee improved results. The purpose of the study is to analyze the peculiarities of competitive activity of middle-distance runners. Research methods: analysis of literature sources and the Internet, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. Presentation of the main material. Analysis of the training of 800 m runners, both world leaders and Ukrainian athletes, shows that the key components of success are the development of speed abilities, speed endurance, and strength qualities. At the same time, Ukrainian practice traditionally emphasizes general and special endurance, reflecting a difference in training approaches. Conclusions. These data indicate the need for a comprehensive approach that combines the development of endurance with the targeted formation of speed qualities in order to achieve high results in the 800 m run