Originally posted by Ian
The fastest time for the 10 and younger girls (USS) in 2003, was 26.24, 57.49, 2:01.25, and 5:20.03, in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyle, respectively. These times are fast compared to the major principal involved in this discussion.
What is the reason these little girls, who I picture to be around 4’ 10” and weigh about 80 lbs, swim so fast?
Do they have phenomenal VO2max?
Do they have extra ordinary strength?
What other way can you explain these times other than they have good coaches and good technique?
The reason is the top swimmers, regardless of age, are physiologically and mentally superior to the rest of it. Whether it's VO2 max, ability to process lactic acid, mental toughness, or some combination of these and other things I don't know.
I think everyone reaches a point in their swimming career where they realize no matter what they do, they will never be faster than some others. OK, Michael Phelps, et al don't, but us mere mortals do.
This isn't to say that world record holders didn't train hard to get there, but there are many people who train exceptionally hard, work on technique, etc. and never achieve that level of success.
Just like we can't all be Bill Gates in the business world, we can't all be Michael Phelps or Natalie Coughlin in the pool. You've just got to accept that and instead strive to be the best you can be.
Originally posted by Ian
The fastest time for the 10 and younger girls (USS) in 2003, was 26.24, 57.49, 2:01.25, and 5:20.03, in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyle, respectively. These times are fast compared to the major principal involved in this discussion.
What is the reason these little girls, who I picture to be around 4’ 10” and weigh about 80 lbs, swim so fast?
Do they have phenomenal VO2max?
Do they have extra ordinary strength?
What other way can you explain these times other than they have good coaches and good technique?
The reason is the top swimmers, regardless of age, are physiologically and mentally superior to the rest of it. Whether it's VO2 max, ability to process lactic acid, mental toughness, or some combination of these and other things I don't know.
I think everyone reaches a point in their swimming career where they realize no matter what they do, they will never be faster than some others. OK, Michael Phelps, et al don't, but us mere mortals do.
This isn't to say that world record holders didn't train hard to get there, but there are many people who train exceptionally hard, work on technique, etc. and never achieve that level of success.
Just like we can't all be Bill Gates in the business world, we can't all be Michael Phelps or Natalie Coughlin in the pool. You've just got to accept that and instead strive to be the best you can be.
