VO₂-max is a predictor of performance, although its correlation to athletic success in endurance sports is only 30-40%, with other factors such as sustainable lactate threshold, motivation, training, etc. also playing a role. In general, however the higher a VO₂-max the more potential for a successful performance in an aerobic endurance event.

World class men will have fitness scores ranging from 60 to 90 and women from 50 to 72.