I hope that you do not mind me starting a thread on my first post, but I saw this and wondered what swimmers would think about it. I swim, but not competitively.
Anyway, here is the question posted on LetsRun:
"Phelps is a phenomenal athlete.
How many of you runners who ran competitively in college think you could beat him in a foot race?
Any distance from 100 meters to the marathon, your choice."
You can see people's answers on the thread here, but I am interested in hearing what you think as well. This is an interesting question.
Thanks.
Seems like I read in either USA Today or SI that he is not a great runner. The reasoning was because of his build - long torso, short legs. It seems that the ideal build for swimming does not always work well for running and vice versa. What is so impressive to me though is the women in the Olympic triathlon. Many are former college swimmers yet are able to split a 35 on their 10k at the end of the triathlon.
Laura Bennet, representing Team USA, finished fourth in the triathlon. She swam 100 fly at the 1996 Olympic Trials and was an 8 time All-American for SMU. She split a 35:10 on the 10k in getting fourth. Although out of the medals, what an athlete!
Seems like I read in either USA Today or SI that he is not a great runner. The reasoning was because of his build - long torso, short legs. It seems that the ideal build for swimming does not always work well for running and vice versa. What is so impressive to me though is the women in the Olympic triathlon. Many are former college swimmers yet are able to split a 35 on their 10k at the end of the triathlon.
Laura Bennet, representing Team USA, finished fourth in the triathlon. She swam 100 fly at the 1996 Olympic Trials and was an 8 time All-American for SMU. She split a 35:10 on the 10k in getting fourth. Although out of the medals, what an athlete!
