Even best can't swim straight sometimes

RE: Even best can't swim straight sometimes

Former Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:28:11 GMT

RE: Even best can't swim straight sometimes

Former Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:07:37 GMT

When using the rowing basin courses where they have lanes marked out anyway they should have them split into separate lanes every second length in a figure eight pattern to break up the pack. Now that would be fun to watch!

RE: Even best can't swim straight sometimes

Former Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:40:43 GMT

It always amazes me how even the top level open water swimmers can't navigate and hold a straight line. I noticed it at the 2006 Pan Pacs as well In this event, Fina rules state that there is to be no drafting. Probably why there is no changing of leaders in the pack. Or these swimmers are happy in the draft pace, and position, and hope the lead swimmer is 'on course'. The drafting rule, I am told by officials, is difficult given the 'space'. It is easier to avoid a huge draft if the course was not a series of loops. However for spectators a series of loops is better. Good to see this event in the Olympics. Hope to also see a 25km marathon as well.

RE: Even best can't swim straight sometimes

Former Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:23:31 GMT

One thing that I thought was interesting was that in the complete absence of cooperation/trading off the lead, the "pack" doesn't really have any advantage over a breakaway swimmer, the only way they can catch up is if the leader of the pack pulls the whole bunch with him. I had actually thought for a while that Davies was swimming to the side on purpose to get the pack off his heels. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if he had tried that earlier on.

RE: Even best can't swim straight sometimes

Former Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:12:21 GMT

i watched the whole thing. an amazing swim by davies even if he lacked the experience to close the deal. his effort was heroic.