What does speed-endurance mean?

Speed-endurance refers specifically to the ability of an athlete to maintain a high speed over a longer duration than just a few seconds, particularly after those initial seconds of exertion. It involves not only the capacity to sprint quickly but also the endurance to sustain that speed as fatigue sets in, thus allowing for optimal performance over distances that might extend beyond a typical sprint.

This performance characteristic is crucial in many sports where maintaining a high pace is required after initial acceleration, meaning that athletes need both rapid energy use and the ability to perform at heightened levels for a sustained period. In contrast, the other options focus on specific aspects of speed or recovery, which do not fully encompass the concept of speed-endurance. Therefore, the correct understanding of speed-endurance is primarily about maintaining a consistent, high speed over a defined distance or time, particularly after the initial seconds of effort.