Our previous discussions on Sprint Swimmer height and the now, universal use of the track start, have been re-affirmed in this year's NCAA 50 free championships.
Cesar Cielo-6'4"
Matt Target 6'6"
Ben Wildman-Tobriner 6'4"
Albert Subirats ??? Anyone have any idea of his height?
Scott Goodrich 6'3"
Brian Lundquist 6'4"
From the photo I saw, everyone used the track start in this, the fastest race of all. Therefore, the track start is the fastest start.:thhbbb:
3 cheers for SDKing! :woot: :woot: :woot:
Those times are riddiculous I'm surprised we didn't see any sub 19s last year (Bosquet's time was 2 years ago now). These guys are going so fast now! :banana:
Bork is right that one can be under 6 foot and still break 20 sec. Gary Schatz, another great Auburn sprinter and one of the first swimmers under 20 sec., is probably only about 5'9". And he's still swimming in the low-mid 22's in the 50-54 age group. I'm lucky enough to see him race at our Texas meets and it's always a thrill to watch him swim.
From the photo I saw, everyone used the track start in this, the fastest race of all. Therefore, the track start is the fastest start.:thhbbb:
That's too funny. Good post.
Kevin
Our previous discussions on Sprint Swimmer height and the now, universal use of the track start, have been re-affirmed in this year's NCAA 50 free championships.
Cesar Cielo-6'4"
Matt Target 6'6"
Ben Wildman-Tobriner 6'4"
Albert Subirats ??? Anyone have any idea of his height?
Scott Goodrich 6'3"
Brian Lundquist 6'4"
From the photo I saw, everyone used the track start in this, the fastest race of all. Therefore, the track start is the fastest start.:thhbbb:
I have to say that I agree with your analysis.....but this does not prove that a swimmer under 6' tall is incapable of breaking 20 seconds in a 50 free....I think it implies that height is a variable that is strongly correlated to speed in the shorter races...and so is the track start. I've always felt the track start was faster because I feel very unbalanced using a traditional grab start...and since the track start is a more stable postion (in terms of overall balance) I think it gives the swimmer the capacity to react to the beep quicker....it just makes sense based on personal experience.
BTW how's your brother Speed and his girlfriend Trixie doing these days? LOL!
(i.e. I like the forum name! I used to be addicted to that show!!)
Newmastersswimmer
The track start when done well is the equivalent of the human sling shot.
But with regards to super fast swimming...
Fred Bousquet's sub 19 sec. 50 free time (two years ago) was the psychological equivalent to ...the first man to break the four minute mile barrier in running. The door is wide open for new swimmers to join into this elite club.
Based on Ian Crocker's recent display of SDK for his 41 sec. 100 free (at the American Short Course championships)...I think we'll be seeing more of a breakthrough in the 100 and 50 times very soon.
Height not being a factor.
I don't think this proves the track start is faster for everyone. It is more stable and with the DQs for wiggle on the block it is certainly safer. It gives more opportunity for using your upper body and since all these sprinters have powerful upper bodies it is probably better for them. Is it better for a Masters swimmer with "diamond calves" ????:dedhorse:
Bork is right that one can be under 6 foot and still break 20 sec. Gary Schatz, another great Auburn sprinter and one of the first swimmers under 20 sec., is probably only about 5'9". And he's still swimming in the low-mid 22's in the 50-54 age group. I'm lucky enough to see him race at our Texas meets and it's always a thrill to watch him swim.
Gary was the first under 20 seconds. Still swims some masters meets. Don't forget about Shaun Jordan at Texas. He was a little guy but had phenomenal speed. Got him a gold medal at the Olympics.
I was told by a former Princeton swimmer that Jesse Gage who swam at Princeton, was 5'6!!! and went 19 solid in the 50 and 43 low in the 100. Gives us small guys hope.
It's amazing the difference in caliber between division 1 and division 2...I was looking at the 50 free results up in Buffalo at the division 2 championships and NO ONE went under 20seconds...in fact the winning time was something like a 20.3 if I recall correctly...nearly 30 guys at division 1 champs went faster than the first place division 2 champ.
That ***t is bananas!
As for a very few exception, Ben Michaelson being the only one I can remember. The best DII or DIII swimmers are not of the same calabur as the Top 20 DI swimmers in their respective event. DI swimming is composed of not only the best swimmers in our country, but abroad as well. It really is a true melting pot of some of the best athletes in the sport.
