HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

PENELOPE HEYNES AT 185 m OF HER WORLD-RECORD 200 m RACE AT THE 1999 PAN PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SYDNEY

Each frame is .1 seconds apart. The sequence depicts a change in the stroking pattern that was held for the previous major portion of the event. Penelope Heynes quickened her stroke rate and reduced any emphasis on defined gliding. Ostensibly, this appears to be her form when sprinting for a finish at the end of a 200-m event.

Notable Features

The length of time in this stroking cycle is one second. In the 100-m race and at the 80-m mark at the 1999 Pan Pacific Championships, the duration of Penelope Heynes' stroke cycle was 1.3 seconds. It would seem that the sprinting strategy for the end of this race was to swim as many strokes as possible in the remaining time/distance.

Although this depiction is of a noticeably increased stroke rate, it retained the admirable characteristics of efficient streamlining for much of the stroke. It also showed a very effective kick, propulsive forces from the arms that are largely backward, and a timing of the kick with the forward thrust of the arms and a forward and downward drive of the head and shoulders. The attempt to sprint did little to affect the efficiency of the swimmer's technique.

Penelope Heynes sprinting

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