Is swimming...

I'd quibble over verbage. "Fine Motor" implies to me that the smaller muscles are used in the way that a surgeon or pianist or artist can coordinate smaller muscles to efficiently perform delicate functions. "Power" implies large muscles used to accellerate mass. Swimming is technique-limited but requires strength and conditioning to apply. If you are not strong and fit, you won't be able to use good technique. If you don't have good technique, all the strength and conditioning you possess won't make you very fast. An example - core muscles must be strong to maintain your position in the water. There is so much else in the mix - flexibility, mental aspects, body geometry. Fascinating sport that can keep you learning how to improve your swimming for your entire life. I am pretty sure that both Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps were relatively weak in the weight room compared to other elite athletes. Both had excellent swimming technique.

I'd quibble over verbage. "Fine Motor" implies to me that the smaller muscles are used in the way that a surgeon or pianist or artist can coordinate smaller muscles to efficiently perform delicate functions. "Power" implies large muscles used to accellerate mass. Swimming is technique-limited but requires strength and conditioning to apply. If you are not strong and fit, you won't be able to use good technique. If you don't have good technique, all the strength and conditioning you possess won't make you very fast. An example - core muscles must be strong to maintain your position in the water. There is so much else in the mix - flexibility, mental aspects, body geometry. Fascinating sport that can keep you learning how to improve your swimming for your entire life. I am pretty sure that both Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps were relatively weak in the weight room compared to other elite athletes. Both had excellent swimming technique.