HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

LINDA MCKENZIE AT 345 m OF HER GOLD MEDAL 400 m FREESTYLE RACE AT THE 2008 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC GAMES SWIMMING TRIALS IN SYDNEY

The duration between each frame is 0.1 seconds. Linda McKenzie's time for this event was 4:04.73, an Australian and Commonwealth record. The swimmer in the background is Kylie Palmer.

This stroke analysis includes a moving sequence in real time, a moving sequence where each frame is displayed for .5 of a second, and still frames.

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At the end of the following narrative, each frame is illustrated in detail in a sequential collage.

Notable Features

The breathing action in the early stage of this sequence leaves much to be desired. It involves unnecessary lifting of the head, an absence of rotation about the horizontal axis, and the execution of movements of body limbs to counterbalance the vertical forces it creates. A change in this swimmer's breathing action would reduce energy costs and resistances that currently are evidenced.

The inertial lag (the period where no propulsive forces are created) is excessive being ~0.3 seconds. It is possible that the delay is caused by late breathing. Earlier inhalation and head return could reduce the amount of time taken and extent of depth achieved with the right arm after entry.

Changes to this swimmer's technique should produce marked and considerable performance improvements.

Linda McKenzie

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