Good swimmer may not be symmetric?

I have been trying hard to correct the lack of symmetry in my backstroke. In trying to correct it I swim slowlier. Then I saw this: www.youtube.com/watch At :41-:44 and 1:07-1:12 it's so obvious he was far from being symmetric. Would he have been better off if he corrected that? nhc, Olympians are measured frame by frame, counted, evaluted to the nth degree, for the specific purpose of refining a style that will produce a medal. Many develop a unique style or have something going on physiologically that separates them from fitness swimmers. I don't see much value in nonelite swimmers trying to emulate them, or in using their swimming style as rationale for not trying to swim oneself with better technique. Keep working the backstroke. The greatest probability is, you will become more symmetrical, and the whole stroke will work better for you. It takes time. Coaching helps. Good luck! VB

I have been trying hard to correct the lack of symmetry in my backstroke. In trying to correct it I swim slowlier. Then I saw this: www.youtube.com/watch At :41-:44 and 1:07-1:12 it's so obvious he was far from being symmetric. Would he have been better off if he corrected that? nhc, Olympians are measured frame by frame, counted, evaluted to the nth degree, for the specific purpose of refining a style that will produce a medal. Many develop a unique style or have something going on physiologically that separates them from fitness swimmers. I don't see much value in nonelite swimmers trying to emulate them, or in using their swimming style as rationale for not trying to swim oneself with better technique. Keep working the backstroke. The greatest probability is, you will become more symmetrical, and the whole stroke will work better for you. It takes time. Coaching helps. Good luck! VB