What does it really take to perform at the highest level of ultimate?

In this episode of Mic’d Up Plus, we break down Kaela Helton’s performance using real-time tracking data captured during competition. Paired with live game footage, the numbers offer a unique look at how one of ultimate’s top athletes handles the physical demands of a full tournament—from early pool play to high-pressure elimination rounds.

Watch the full Mic’d Up video to see Kaela in action—complete with tracking visuals and real gameplay—for a deeper, more immersive view of the game like never before.

Here’s what the numbers tell us.

First Half: Locked In from the First Pull

Kaela came out firing and didn’t let up.

• Heart Rate Zones: She spent most of the half in Zones 4 and 5—the high-effort range that signals serious intensity.
  
• Output Built Over Time: Instead of spiking early and fading, Kaela’s effort ramped up steadily, peaking just before halftime.
  
  By the Numbers:
  
  • ~600 calories burned
    
  • ~2 miles of game movement
    

Kaela’s first-half data shows elite pacing and efficiency—no wasted effort, no early fatigue.

Full Game: Sustained intensity, Start to Finish

Second half? No slowdown. Kaela picked it right back up.

• Rapid Re-Entry: Her heart rate shot straight back into Zones 4 and 5 every time she hit the field.
  
• Consistent High Effort: Spikes in heart rate, calories burned, and movement all align with her points played.
  
  Totals:
  
• ~1,200 calories burned
  
• ~3.5 miles traveled
  

Her data shows a player fully locked in—capable of performing at high intensity across the entire game.

Full Tournament: Output Matches the Moment

Looking at all six games from Nationals, clear patterns emerge.

• Games 1–2: Lower intensity. Kaela spent more time in recovery zones—likely managing effort during less demanding matchups.
  
• Game 3 vs. Fury: This was her physical peak—highest heart rate, most calories burned, and longest stretch in Zone 5.
  
• Quarterfinal vs. Scandal: Most distance covered and longest time on field. She was everywhere.
  
• Games 1 & 6: Efficient wins that required less total output.
  

The trend? As the tournament stakes rose, so did Kaela’s intensity. She conserved early, then unleashed when it mattered most.

What it all Means

Kaela’s tournament data gives us a window into what elite performance looks like in ultimate:

• Consistent high-effort play, especially in elimination rounds
  
• Quick recovery between points, key to staying effective deep into the tournament
  
• Smart energy management, balancing intensity with efficiency across multiple games
  

This is the kind of performance data that helps us move beyond the highlight reel—and understand the real demands of elite-level play.

What's Next: Exploring More Data and More Players

Kaela’s story offers valuable insight into the physical demands of elite ultimate. As data continues to be collected across different positions, game types, and players, we can begin to explore important questions like:

• How do specific roles impact physical output?
  
• What separates elite consistency from burnout?
  
• How does ultimate stack up against other high-endurance sports?
  

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the field as we continue exploring the game from every angle.