HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

NATALIE COUGHLIN AT 20 m OF HER GOLD MEDAL 100 m BACKSTROKE RACE AT THE 2004 ATHENS OLYMPIC GAMES

The time between each frame is not known. Natalie Coughlin's time for this race was 1:00.37. This series is displayed along with one at 65 m so that a better understanding of what happens with both arms during Ms. Coughlin's pull is obtained. The stroke analyzed is very early in the race and might not be typical.

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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Notable Features

Natalie Coughlin's kick is not unusually deep. That is a good feature particularly in light of recent research that has shown that big kicks do increase propulsion but with a disproportionately greater increase in drag force. Another unusual feature is that Ms. Coughlin uses a four-beat kick rather than the "traditional" six-beat action.

The swimmer rolls her total body to each side for each pull. That results in the pulling action being closer to the line of intended motion.

Each arm action involves the total arm. The pull starts well behind the swimmer and uses every segment to create a propelling surface. Other analyses will have to be performed to evaluate if the asymmetry of the inward sculling action at the end of the pulls is a consistent phenomenon.

One has to wonder if an attempt to correct the total body alignment would improve this swimmer. With the buttocks being much lower than the shoulders, there is the specter of an unnecessarily large frontal cross-sectional area that would cause greater frontal drag resistance. However, in some athletes, focusing on a perfect streamline could reduce the power of the arm pulls because they would be taken out positions that are necessary to create optimal forces. With Ms Coughlin's pulling actions, great forces are created. Disruptions to force generation by the arms should always be considered before altering this stroke.

Natalie Coughlin

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