Background: Rowing is a highly demanding endurance sport, requiring simultaneous work of approximately 70% of the body’s muscle mass and the combined contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory responses and performance characteristics of elite junior male and female rowers during maximal effort over 2000 m on a rowing ergometer. Methods: Fifteen junior rowers (six males aged 15–17 and nine females aged 15–18) participated in the study. Anthropometric data (body height, weight, and body surface area) were recorded. All participants performed a maximal 2000 m test on a Concept2 D-model ergometer. Throughout the test, oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), heart rate, and ventilation parameters were continuously measured. Performance and physiological data were analyzed in three intensity zones, defined by ventilatory thresholds (VT1–VT3), as well as at peak exercise. Results: Significant anthropometric differences were observed between genders. In terms of performance, males completed the 2000 m test significantly faster than females (208.83 ± 87.66 s vs. 333.78 ± 97.51 s, p = 0.0253). Relative VO₂ at peak exercise was higher in males (58.73 ± 5.25 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) than females (48.32 ± 6.09 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p = 0.0046). In most cardiorespiratory parameters, males outperformed females significantly, except for heart rate and ventilatory equivalents. Ranking analysis revealed that higher VO₂max values were generally associated with a better placement in both genders, though this relationship was not perfectly linear. Performance time was negatively correlated with VO₂Peak (r = −0.8286; p < 0.001), rVO₂Peak (r = −0.6781; p < 0.01), and O₂P_Peak (r = −0.7729; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings confirm significant gender differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory characteristics of elite junior rowers and reinforce VO₂max as a key determinant of performance. Yet, deviations from a direct VO₂max–rank correlation highlight the influence of tactical, psychological, and biomechanical factors. Future research should provide practical recommendations for monitoring performance and tailoring training to optimize adaptation and long-term athlete development.

Background: High-intensity physical activity elicits acute physiological responses across the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuromuscular systems. During recovery, multiple processes act to restore homeostasis and functional capacity. The aim of this study was to examine age- and position-related differences in cardiovascular and metabolic responses among youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 147 male academy soccer players were assessed, divided into four age groups (U15, U16, U17, U18/U19) and four playing positions (defenders, midfielders, forwards, goalkeepers). Results: Significant anthropometric and physiological differences were observed between age groups. Body height and weight increased progressively with age (p < 0.05), while body fat percentage was lower in younger compared to older cohorts (p < 0.001). Relative muscle mass did not differ significantly between groups. Absolute aerobic capacity (VO₂max) was higher in U17–U19 compared to U15–U16 (p < 0.001). Heart rate at anaerobic threshold (HRAT) and maximal heart rate were greater in the younger groups (p ≤ 0.005). Immediate blood lactate (iBLC) and ΔiBLC were significantly higher in U15–U16 compared to U17–U19 (both p < 0.001). Position-specific analysis revealed higher iBLC in U15 defenders compared to U18/U19 defenders (p < 0.01), whereas no positional differences were observed in relative VO₂max. Conclusions: These results are due to a carefully designed training program and frequent individual training sessions.