Which is an example of specificity in strength training? | Athlete | Reps | Sets | Resistance | Recovery | |----------------------|--------|------|------------|----------------| | (A) 800-metre swimmer | 2–10 | 2–3 | light | 2–4 minutes | | (B) Spring-board diver | 15+ | 3–5 | light | 30–90 seconds | | (C) Long-jumper | 3–6 | 3 | heavy | 2–4 minutes | | (D) Weight-lifter | 10–15 | 2–3 | heavy | 30–90 seconds | - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 17 - 2006 - Paper 1

To determine an example of specificity in strength training, we should assess the athletes' training parameters in relation to their sports. Specificity refers to how training is tailored to the demands of an athlete's specific sport.

• 800-metre swimmer: This athlete's training involves low reps (2-10) and light resistance, which is not specific to building strength required for swimming.
• Spring-board diver: Also uses light resistance and high reps, focusing on endurance rather than strength.
• Long-jumper: Engages in heavy resistance with 3-6 reps, which is closer to strength training specific to jumping, supported by moderate recovery times.
• Weight-lifter: While this involves heavy resistance, the recovery times vary widely and may not be particularly specific to a strength adaptation for a particular sport.

Given this analysis, the correct answer is (C) Long-jumper, as it includes heavy resistance which aligns with the strength-building goals specific to the sport.