04/02/2026
Right now, many Perth-based athletes and support teams are preparing for the 2026 WA State Combined Championships set for 7–8 February.
The knee is exposed to substantial, rapidly changing loads during acceleration and early stance. In the sprint start and first steps, performance is closely linked to an athlete’s ability to generate horizontal speed quickly, with the knee contributing meaningfully to energy generation during the first stance phase.
Knee stress reflects the combined effect of:
👉 knee extensor demand
👉 limb stiffness strategy
👉 ground contact characteristics
👉 the athlete’s capacity to tolerate repeated high-intensity efforts across training blocks.
For clinicians supporting track athletes, this reinforces the value of structured load progression, strength capacity development, and early attention to persistent anterior knee pain or post-training joint symptoms – particularly as event intensity rises in February.
Meanwhile, best of luck to all those competing in the State Combined Championships!
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.