Why are most of us good at certain strokes and not others? Is it genetics, body type, coaching, preference?
And why are some of us good at long axis, but not short axis? And vice versa?
Or why are we good at one short axis stroke, but not the other?
I suspect that the reason we can ask the question is because there is a combination of factors at work in determining which strokes and distances will suit which individuals best.
In some cases, genetics (including both body type and things like fast-twitch muscle ratios) probably play a role. While there are cases like Fortress's, it is also not uncommon to hear of child backstrokers whose parents were the like, etc.
In some cases, personality probably comes into play. Sprinters and distance swimmers often enjoy different aspects of a race -- sprinters may thrive on competition, adrenaline, a feeling of power, etc. Distance swimmers may thrive on a feeling of overcoming fatigue, rhythm, a sense of pace or building, etc.
Finally, I would say that the ever-elusive "feel" for a stroke makes a big difference. Some people have an intuitive sense of fly timing, for example. Some novice swimmers don't have to be taught to use a high elbow catch or to turn their feet out in breaststroke. Why? I suppose this is a reiteration of the original question. Nevertheless, as a coach of young swimmers, I find it fascinating.
I suspect that the reason we can ask the question is because there is a combination of factors at work in determining which strokes and distances will suit which individuals best.
In some cases, genetics (including both body type and things like fast-twitch muscle ratios) probably play a role. While there are cases like Fortress's, it is also not uncommon to hear of child backstrokers whose parents were the like, etc.
In some cases, personality probably comes into play. Sprinters and distance swimmers often enjoy different aspects of a race -- sprinters may thrive on competition, adrenaline, a feeling of power, etc. Distance swimmers may thrive on a feeling of overcoming fatigue, rhythm, a sense of pace or building, etc.
Finally, I would say that the ever-elusive "feel" for a stroke makes a big difference. Some people have an intuitive sense of fly timing, for example. Some novice swimmers don't have to be taught to use a high elbow catch or to turn their feet out in breaststroke. Why? I suppose this is a reiteration of the original question. Nevertheless, as a coach of young swimmers, I find it fascinating.
