During the TV coverage of the olympic trials this weekend, Rowdy Gaines mentioned a few times that Phelps has "a long body and short legs" which gives him a perfect build for swimming. (In addition, of course, to his long wingspan.)
I can understand the long body. But why would short legs be an advantage?
My recollection of these sorts of discussions was that the longer your "boat" is, the faster you can go. It would seem, therefore, that both a long body AND long legs would be an advantage.
Comments?
I hate it when these posts get personel & Rowdy Gaines seems to be a truly wonderful person, but he generally leaves me shaking my head.He is not very knowlegeable about stroke mechanics, body type, or pace. I haven't heard him say anything this meet about a freestyler being at a disadvantage because the are breathing to the opposite side from there opponent yet but he has every other meet I have seen him announce. Has'nt he learned to look underwater?
I hate it when these posts get personel & Rowdy Gaines seems to be a truly wonderful person, but he generally leaves me shaking my head.He is not very knowlegeable about stroke mechanics, body type, or pace. I haven't heard him say anything this meet about a freestyler being at a disadvantage because the are breathing to the opposite side from there opponent yet but he has every other meet I have seen him announce. Has'nt he learned to look underwater?
