HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

GIAAN ROONEY AT 180 m OF HER GOLD MEDAL 200 m FREESTYLE RACE AT THE 2001 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FUKUOKA

Each frame is .1 seconds apart. Giaan Rooney's time for this race was 1:58.57.

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Notable Features

Giaan Rooney's stroke could be improved. It features a two-cycle arm-timing that is often characteristic of an overtaking-arm-stroke movement pattern. There is a propulsive phase and a recovery phase for each arm. Unfortunately, while an arm is recovering, and the other arm is not propelling, the swimmer slows. The range between maximum and minimum horizontal velocity in this type of stroke is undesirable. Although the time for this race was impressive, the potential for a better time is even more impressive. This form of stroking also reduces the potential effectiveness of the early part of the arm pull when propulsion could be developed but, as is demonstrated here, its primary role is to support the recovering arm.

Further improvement would result from a better head action when breathing. Improvements would include; less elevation, rotation principally on the horizontal axis, inhalation occurring in the bottom of the bow wave, and quicker return to a streamline position.

That this swimmer with so much room for improvement is world-champion supports the contention that the 200m is "weak" in the women's events.

Giaan Rooney

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