HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

DENIS PANKRATOV'S FULL STROKE AT 65 m OF HIS 100 m BUTTERFLY GOLD MEDAL RACE AT THE ATLANTA OLYMPIC GAMES 1996

Each frame is .1 second apart. This sequence displays both a breathing and non-breathing stroke.

Notable Features

Denis Pankratov's stroke is one that emphasizes streamlining in the non-propulsive section of the swimmer's anatomy. The torso, and to a lesser extent the thighs, are primarily flat and underwater for almost the entire stroke. The side-breathing action requires a minimum of elevation of the shoulders, which should enhance movement.

There appears to be nothing remarkable about the underwater propulsive action in this stroke. The hand/forearm propulsive surface is maximized in a manner similar to that exhibited by some of the champion crawl and backstrokers. The length of the propulsive phase of the stroke is maximized by the early elevation of the shoulders, medial rotation of the upper arms, and bending of the elbows to position the propulsive surfaces of the arms.

Denis Pankratov

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