What's more important?

TI was not an invention, it was a very successful re-creation of a long accepted concept called "Streamlining". I understand that swimmers who are new, may not understand that, but trust me, TI was built upon the well accepted notion that a person moves more efficiently through the water when they can reduce resistance (frontal, eddies, vortecies, turbulance, air, etc.,). I admire Terry's improvements and some creative drills ( some I haven't seen and I use now with my team, and others have been around for decades invented long before TI was a mere notion). I'm not trying to lessen the brilliant marketing of TI and how important streamling is to great swimming but this arguing makes no sense and I'll try to help us avoid anymore arguing by adding the following; I love TI but the crusaders who cannot accept the fact that any vessel streamline or otherwise, requires an engine, are not on the same page as most swimmers. Even a sailboat requires some wind to get going and an Olympic sprinter, championship triathlete, and record setting Master swimmer, needs the best engine possible to win. Speed is directly proportional to the efficiency and horsepower of the engine. A winning swimmer is also very cognisant of the fact that efficient streamlining (just like aerodynamics used in race car driving) helps them improve their speed. Cars are a great example of how various qualities differentiate models and what those models are intended to do. For instance, a hybrid Toyota Prius, is not designed to win a Daytona 500 but for efficiency it's tough to beat. There are cars built for tough terrain and long distances (six mile open water triathlons), there are cars that simply reliable and give great gas milage (recreational swims), there are cars sleek / fast and meant to break speed records (Olympic 50m sprinters), -- All have engines, all are built different, and all have different streamlining capabilities. Swimmers need to know how to improve their: streamlining, kick, strength, endurance, flexibility, turns, psyche, and other components important to improved swimming performance. I'm not "just" an engine guy though I invented a product that helps improve your engine. I've been swimming and coaching for over 40 years and know that TI is very big in this forum (almost a religion). But come'on TI isn't 95% or 50% or any percent of helping swimmers swim faster, it's merely a component that has been marketed very successfully and yes - an important component but I hope people will stop making it "the thing" because it's not. Instead of saying TI, let's refer it to the name the swimming researchers gave it in the late 60's and early 70's - Streamlining. So, swim for fun, swim for fitness, swim to go fast, swim for the heck of it, but swim because it's an awesome way to stay in shape and meet great folk. Good Luck, Coach T.

TI was not an invention, it was a very successful re-creation of a long accepted concept called "Streamlining". I understand that swimmers who are new, may not understand that, but trust me, TI was built upon the well accepted notion that a person moves more efficiently through the water when they can reduce resistance (frontal, eddies, vortecies, turbulance, air, etc.,). I admire Terry's improvements and some creative drills ( some I haven't seen and I use now with my team, and others have been around for decades invented long before TI was a mere notion). I'm not trying to lessen the brilliant marketing of TI and how important streamling is to great swimming but this arguing makes no sense and I'll try to help us avoid anymore arguing by adding the following; I love TI but the crusaders who cannot accept the fact that any vessel streamline or otherwise, requires an engine, are not on the same page as most swimmers. Even a sailboat requires some wind to get going and an Olympic sprinter, championship triathlete, and record setting Master swimmer, needs the best engine possible to win. Speed is directly proportional to the efficiency and horsepower of the engine. A winning swimmer is also very cognisant of the fact that efficient streamlining (just like aerodynamics used in race car driving) helps them improve their speed. Cars are a great example of how various qualities differentiate models and what those models are intended to do. For instance, a hybrid Toyota Prius, is not designed to win a Daytona 500 but for efficiency it's tough to beat. There are cars built for tough terrain and long distances (six mile open water triathlons), there are cars that simply reliable and give great gas milage (recreational swims), there are cars sleek / fast and meant to break speed records (Olympic 50m sprinters), -- All have engines, all are built different, and all have different streamlining capabilities. Swimmers need to know how to improve their: streamlining, kick, strength, endurance, flexibility, turns, psyche, and other components important to improved swimming performance. I'm not "just" an engine guy though I invented a product that helps improve your engine. I've been swimming and coaching for over 40 years and know that TI is very big in this forum (almost a religion). But come'on TI isn't 95% or 50% or any percent of helping swimmers swim faster, it's merely a component that has been marketed very successfully and yes - an important component but I hope people will stop making it "the thing" because it's not. Instead of saying TI, let's refer it to the name the swimming researchers gave it in the late 60's and early 70's - Streamlining. So, swim for fun, swim for fitness, swim to go fast, swim for the heck of it, but swim because it's an awesome way to stay in shape and meet great folk. Good Luck, Coach T.