HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

Researched, produced, and prepared by Brent S. Rushall, Ph.D., R.Psy.

KRISZTINE EGERSZEGI'S FULL STROKE AT 25 m OF HER 100 m BACKSTROKE GOLD MEDAL SWIM AT THE BARCELONA OLYMPIC GAMES 1992

Each frame is .1 second apart.

Notable Features

Perhaps the most strinking feature of Krisztina Egerszegi's stroke is the continuity of the propulsive phases. As the right arm completes its propulsive stage the left arm commences its propulsive force production. At these extreme positions the forces created are likely to be small. However, such forces need not be large to maintain a swimmer's momentum. The mimimal to non-existent inertial lag might be the most significant feature of this swimmer's technique. A similar phenomenon was also observed in Janet Evans' crawl stroke.

A striking feature of Krisztina Egerszegi's arm actions is their similarity to the mechanics of the crawl stroke actions of the top male swimmers shown in other exhibits. Her left-arm's re-positioning immediately after entry to create the earliest propulsive force possible (medial rotation of the upper arm, elbow and wrist flexion) from the longest entry position possible (elevated shoulder) is followed by adduction of the upper arm employing both the internal and external rotators of the shoulder. The propulsive surface is the arm/forearm combination. However, this action is not demonstrated with her right arm.

The latter part of the pull is where crawl and backstroke movements differ. The hand/forearm perform an inward sculling movement which is very different to the commonly coached "downward-push" that is supposed to produce the latter part of an S-shaped pull.

The roll of the shoulders and hips cancels out major vertical components in the arm movement patterns, thus facilitating a largely direct application of force backward.

The hip and shoulder rolls are assisted by kicks and by dropping the leg down on the turn-side. The roll of the body is continuous except for the change of direction stoppages on either side.

It is hard to explain the changing head position.

Krisztina Egerszegi's body position is quite level for the whole stroke even though the head appears to move vertically. As with all top swimmers who perform cyclic alternating strokes, the underwater movement patterns are different for each arm.

Krisztina Egerszegi at 25 m

 

Reference

Cappaert, J. M., & Rushall, B. S. (1994). Biomechanical analyses of champion swimmers. Spring Valley, CA: Sports Science Associates.

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