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?
Phelps mentioned on Leno last night that he started out playing a lot of sports when he was young but decided to stick to swimming when he was 11 because of his short legs. What's with that? Our family has a picture of him from head to toe and I just don't see the short legs.
Phelps mentioned on Leno last night that he started out playing a lot of sports when he was young but decided to stick to swimming when he was 11 because of his short legs. What's with that? Our family has a picture of him from head to toe and I just don't see the short legs.
