Look at the kick and how he buries his head too....quite amazing. True that. Head as low as possible, breathing not an option anyway.
Flutter kick (no dolphin) prior pull out. Exit asap and get to full speed, seems to have been his strategy.
Popov had a 21.64 from 2000 - I don't know what suit he was wearing but it might have been some type of early tech suit. Really Tom Jager's time from 89-90 where some of the most impressive times for both longevity and done well before any type of suit issue.
Oh, and another thing. It may just be my nostalgic memories of being a high school swimmer and idolizing these guys, but the Biondi-Jager era from 85-90 was the most awesome. Matt Biondi was a god. My $0.02 anyway.
Jager's 21.81 was for 10 years - impressive for sure.
I still think they're ALL swimming god's, Popov, Biondi, Jager, Hall, even the current ones wearing suit's (that eliminated any chance for them to prove themselves faster than WR in $30 trunks).
Popov had a 21.64 from 2000 - I don't know what suit he was wearing but it might have been some type of early tech suit. Really Tom Jager's time from 89-90 where some of the most impressive times for both longevity and done well before any type of suit issue.
Jager set the record in the spring of 1990 in Nashville. There was a special long course elimantion races after the last day of the short course nationals.
There were 8 swimmers going, racing 2 at a time. Winner advanced to the next round.
Jager and Biondi faced off in the final 50 meter face. Jager went 21.81. Biondi went 21.85. They were the only two in the pool.
Popov's 21.91 at the 1992 olympics against a full field was also impressive.
Any of the guys that swam faster than popov's record don't have to prove crap. Their swims are all legit. They followed the rules, therefore their swims are better than popov's or jager's or whoever.
