So here's a challenge for coaches, would-be coaches, know-it-alls & serious students of the art of swimming: hypothetically, Matt Biondi comes to you and says "I turn 40 on Oct 8th & I'd like to launch a comeback of sorts, focusing on Masters. I'd like to compete in the SC Nats this coming spring & if that goes well go to LC Nats in August. I really don't harbour thoughts of an Open comeback, but I am curious to see how fast I could go for 50-100 free with the new suits & dolphining off the wall. "
1.) Discuss in broad terms what your training design for Matt would be: yardage, amount of emphasis on technique drills, strength training component, flexibility training. Divide the period of time before the stated target meets & show training changes for those meets (taper etc.) Assume that he is very close to his original swimming weight & has been in the water a lot to demonstrate & have fun but no training at all.
2.) Set time goals for Matt for the 50-100 free both SC & LC and then discuss whether you would urge him (if he attained those goals) to launch any sort of Open comeback.
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This subject is fascinating! I’m sure Matt Biondi can get close to, or even faster than his best times swum in his younger days - if he’s prepared to have a go.
At the age of 55 I was swimming faster than when I was 20. Admittedly, as a teenager, I wasn’t anywhere near the same league as US swimming legend Matt Biondi.
Over the years I’ve worked with several swimmers who are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s, and swimming faster than when younger.
Britain’s most prolific masters swimmer, Duncan McCreadie, (Who incidentally is 60 years old today - Sept. 26th!) has already broken 10 world masters records this year. Duncan regularly swims faster than when he was a teenager, and never competes without his all-in-one bodysuit.
Another example is double Olympic medallist Nick Gillingham. Nick hasn’t got the time (like many of us) to spend in the pool, due to family and business commitments. But even Nick is surprised at how close he can get, during training and competition, to his Olympic times. OK, he still has the most mechanically perfect stroke on this planet, and his mental toughness is awesome, but approaching the age of 40 has made little impact on his swimming. I saw Nick swim a short course world record of 2:07.93 in 1991 and I honestly believe that he could produce this time again - given the opportunity to spend more time in the pool.
It would be far easier for Matt Biondi to get close to his best times - he was a 50 and 100 metre specialist - than it would be for a 200m swimmer, such as Nick Gillingham. And he wouldn’t have to spend as much time in the pool either. For a fast 50, Biondi wouldn’t need to ‘cover the distance’ in training in order to build up his aerobic capacity - it wouldn’t be required. Wearing the tightest bodysuit he can climb into, and with the benefit of a fast start, I wouldn’t bet against him doing a high 22 for his 50 free after about three months back into training. (His world best was 22.14)
This subject is fascinating! I’m sure Matt Biondi can get close to, or even faster than his best times swum in his younger days - if he’s prepared to have a go.
At the age of 55 I was swimming faster than when I was 20. Admittedly, as a teenager, I wasn’t anywhere near the same league as US swimming legend Matt Biondi.
Over the years I’ve worked with several swimmers who are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s, and swimming faster than when younger.
Britain’s most prolific masters swimmer, Duncan McCreadie, (Who incidentally is 60 years old today - Sept. 26th!) has already broken 10 world masters records this year. Duncan regularly swims faster than when he was a teenager, and never competes without his all-in-one bodysuit.
Another example is double Olympic medallist Nick Gillingham. Nick hasn’t got the time (like many of us) to spend in the pool, due to family and business commitments. But even Nick is surprised at how close he can get, during training and competition, to his Olympic times. OK, he still has the most mechanically perfect stroke on this planet, and his mental toughness is awesome, but approaching the age of 40 has made little impact on his swimming. I saw Nick swim a short course world record of 2:07.93 in 1991 and I honestly believe that he could produce this time again - given the opportunity to spend more time in the pool.
It would be far easier for Matt Biondi to get close to his best times - he was a 50 and 100 metre specialist - than it would be for a 200m swimmer, such as Nick Gillingham. And he wouldn’t have to spend as much time in the pool either. For a fast 50, Biondi wouldn’t need to ‘cover the distance’ in training in order to build up his aerobic capacity - it wouldn’t be required. Wearing the tightest bodysuit he can climb into, and with the benefit of a fast start, I wouldn’t bet against him doing a high 22 for his 50 free after about three months back into training. (His world best was 22.14)
