PHYSICAL FITNESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES AS DETERMINANTS OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY RUNNERS

Physical fitness and psychological well-being are essential determinants of athletic performance. This study explores the relationship between selected physical fitness variables—cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition—and psychological factors including stress, anxiety, and will to win among university runners. A comparative analysis was conducted between short-, middle-, and long-distance runners to identify variations across disciplines. The findings demonstrate that while long-distance runners excelled in endurance and aerobic capacity, short-distance runners showed greater muscular strength and power. Psychological profiles also differed, with middle-distance runners exhibiting balanced levels of motivation and stress regulation. Results suggest that training programs should integrate both physical and psychological conditioning tailored to the specific demands of each athletic category. The study contributes to a holistic understanding of performance, emphasizing that psychological readiness is as critical as physical preparedness for achieving excellence in competitive sports.