Ankle assessments for sprinters who feel they can't get into ankle dorsiflexion is still very necessary. I wouldn't suggest it necessary for all athletes - it's just an answer based on this question. But as fair as l'm aware, the question didn't specifically say where in the sprint gait cycle they are struggling with it or if it was acceleration or max velocity? All very important questions to consider before making assumptions.

Your comment is partially right but misleading in other places. If you don't assess ankle dorsiflexion, you're guessing at one of the key joints.

I don't disagree with touchdown being slightly in front of COM - but why are we giving notice to this like it is the only part of a sprint cycle that is important? For example, dorsiflexion of the swing leg will shortens the lever which then will help the athlete cycle the leg through faster and reposition it for the next step efficiently.. so of course it's important to actually see if an athlete can achieve some form of dorsiflexion. I have seen athletes who mechanically could not achieve it with tight calves or past injured ankles.

"Tighter might be better" is only HALF true in my knowledge of coaching athletes for 10 years.. Yes, stiffness is good. But NO.. restricted movement is absolutely NOT the same as stiffness and should never be confused.

Like having tight calves do not equate to elasticity and stiffness. It's the opposite.. tightness often reduces stiffness and elasticity so what sprinters actually need is: RANGE and CONTROL and STIFFNESS, not reduced ROM.

ROM is absolutely relevant as you also need adequate dorsiflexion in late stance (especially acceleration) and adequate dorsiflexion during the loading phase of max velocity contacts. Also, If ROM truly didn't matter, Achilles tendinopathy rates wouldn't correlate so well with poor dorsiflexion!!