To Be a Champion of the 24-h Ultramarathon Race. If Not the Heart … Mosaic Theory? This comprehensive case analysis aimed to identify the characteristics that allow a runner to reach the championship at 24-hour ultramarathone races. A 36-year-old, multiple medal winner of the World Cup in the 24-hour run was analyzed before, one and 10 days after a 24-hour run. The results of its extensive laboratory and cardiological diagnostics with transthoracic echocardiography and a unique cardopulmonary stress test were analyzed. After 12 hours run (about 130 km), the athlete had increasing pain in the right knee.Its clinical basic data lay in the standard area.The high physical performance in a cardiopulmonal stress test (Vo2max 63 ml / kg / min) was similar to the average of other ultramarathon runners, which achieved significantly worse results. Therefore, we also conducted genetic tests and evaluated his psychological profile, its body composition and markers for physical and psychic stress (serotonin, cortisol, adrenaline, prolactin, testosterone and luteinizing hormone).The athlete had a MTDNA haplogroup H (HV0A1 subgroup, which belongs to the HV cluster), which is characteristic of athletes with the highest endurance. Psychological studies have shown a high and very high intensity of the properties of individual scales of the tools used: mental load capacity (62-100% depending on the scale), openness for experiences (10 sten), coherence (10 sten), positive perfectionism (100)%) And general hope for success (10 sten).The athlete itself considers the commitment and mental support of his team as a significant factor for his success. The assessment of the body composition (13.9% fat) and the degree of stress markers were inconspicuous. The tested athlete showed a series of characteristics of the masters of ultramarathon runs, such as congenital investments, mental characteristics, training levels and pain resistance.However, none of these functions are reserved exclusively “Champions”.The participation of team support is not to be underestimated. The factors that guarantee the success of this elite 24-hour ultramarathon runner go far beyond physiological and psychological explanations.
Further studies are needed to identify individual elements of alleged “mosaic theory, a champion”. The case report can be found under https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/5/2371