Which energy system dominates a 60–120 meter sprint and how does it contribute as the race unfolds?

Which energy system dominates a 60–120 meter sprint and how does it contribute as the race unfolds?

• A. Primarily anaerobic glycolysis throughout, with significant aerobic contribution.
• B. Primarily ATP-CP (phosphagen) in the first ~6–8 seconds; anaerobic glycolysis contributes more after that; overall energy supply is largely anaerobic with minimal aerobic contribution.
• C. Only aerobic metabolism supports a sprint of this distance.
• D. Creatine phosphate and glycolysis contribute equally across the race.

Answer: (B)

For these sprint distances, energy comes from anaerobic systems rather than relying on the aerobic system. The phosphagen (ATP-CP) system furnishes energy very quickly and dominates the initial portion of the race—roughly the first 6–8 seconds. As those immediate stores deplete, anaerobic glycolysis ramps up to supply the remaining ATP needs for the remainder of the sprint. The aerobic system contributes only a small amount during a 60–120 m effort and stays largely outpaced by the demand, so the overall energy supply is predominantly anaerobic throughout the race. This is why the description that emphasizes initial ATP-CP dominance, followed by greater glycolytic contribution, with minimal aerobic input, fits best.

For these sprint distances, energy comes from anaerobic systems rather than relying on the aerobic system. The phosphagen (ATP-CP) system furnishes energy very quickly and dominates the initial portion of the race—roughly the first 6–8 seconds. As those immediate stores deplete, anaerobic glycolysis ramps up to supply the remaining ATP needs for the remainder of the sprint. The aerobic system contributes only a small amount during a 60–120 m effort and stays largely outpaced by the demand, so the overall energy supply is predominantly anaerobic throughout the race. This is why the description that emphasizes initial ATP-CP dominance, followed by greater glycolytic contribution, with minimal aerobic input, fits best.