Is there a limit to how fast we can swim?

Former Member
Former Member
As a math guy, this is something I've been pondering for a while. Is there a limit to how fast we can swim. For instance, I remember a discussion point a while back was that there was no physical way a human could run the 100m in less than 9 seconds, that the forces you would create within your body in order to run that fast would cause you muscles to tear and bones to shatter. In swimming we're seeing a HUGE leap forward in technology as it pertains both to how we train and what we put on our bodies. For instance, how fast could Matt Biondi swum a 50 or 100 if he had access to the wealth of information we have now just 15 years later in regards to training, nutrition and suits. Could he possibly 20 47 low in the 100 if he were in his 20's/early 30's right now? And to my point, imagine the 50 free. How fast is "impossible"? We just say Bousquet take 1/4 second of the 50 free WR. What's the limit? You'd think at some point someone's going to set a WR that will never be broken.
Parents
  • I think Tim Duncan was a swimmer before he played basketball. The pool he trained in was destroyed by a hurricane and wasn't rebuilt. With no swimming facility he ended up playing basketball. Kiki Vandeweghe was also a swimmer in his youth and held national records for a very long time. I think it is very possible that a tall swimmer (7 ft) will come along. I can't imagine it would be a disadvantage. Tim Can't wait to share this with the UC Irvine womens basketball team who swims a session after I coach a masters practice! Also, you may have seen this... I have a few incredible waterpolo players who train with masters just to stay in shape. One of them is a former USA Olympian. He KILLS the swimmers - and his kick is to die for... All tall - all powerful - and not just in the sprints. Seems there have always been potential great swimmers in waterpolo and vice versa. This is a swim coaches nightmare in and around junior high school when the kids have to choose sports.
Reply
  • I think Tim Duncan was a swimmer before he played basketball. The pool he trained in was destroyed by a hurricane and wasn't rebuilt. With no swimming facility he ended up playing basketball. Kiki Vandeweghe was also a swimmer in his youth and held national records for a very long time. I think it is very possible that a tall swimmer (7 ft) will come along. I can't imagine it would be a disadvantage. Tim Can't wait to share this with the UC Irvine womens basketball team who swims a session after I coach a masters practice! Also, you may have seen this... I have a few incredible waterpolo players who train with masters just to stay in shape. One of them is a former USA Olympian. He KILLS the swimmers - and his kick is to die for... All tall - all powerful - and not just in the sprints. Seems there have always been potential great swimmers in waterpolo and vice versa. This is a swim coaches nightmare in and around junior high school when the kids have to choose sports.
Children
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