So, how many of you don't fit the sterotype, over 6 foot if you are a guy or 5'"8 if you are a gal. I'm only 5'4", so how many of us are there out there?
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It doesn't so much in masters but elite swimming-olympic swimming it does. Only one woman on the national team is 5'4" amd several of them are 5'9" plus. Only two men are at 5'10" and 1/2 and several are 6'4" and above. Even its been mention that Mark Spitz were around today,he probably would have been a top flyer rather than a top freestyler since most male freestylers in the 100 and 200 meter are 6'5" plus.
Neither Eric Vendt or Gil Stovall are that tall. Eric Vendt especially has apparently grown several inches in the last few years. :cool:
And Masayuki Kishida is sub 6 feet, he swam sprint fly and freestyle (19.2,43.3 in free and 45.4 in fly at SC Nationals) for Japan in Beijing. Tomomi Morita, Kosuke Kitajima, and Kohei Kawamoto are 3 other shorter Japanese swimmers.
Both Dominik Meichtry and Jean Basson are under or right at six feet.
Also worth noting, according to Dave Cromwell Ian Crocker only has size 11 feet. Though I think he's six five.
Basically, being tall helps, but it isn't so cut and dry in the water.
EDIT: And Riaan Schoeman who swims for South Africa (400 IM) is like 5' 7".
It doesn't so much in masters but elite swimming-olympic swimming it does. Only one woman on the national team is 5'4" amd several of them are 5'9" plus. Only two men are at 5'10" and 1/2 and several are 6'4" and above. Even its been mention that Mark Spitz were around today,he probably would have been a top flyer rather than a top freestyler since most male freestylers in the 100 and 200 meter are 6'5" plus.
Neither Eric Vendt or Gil Stovall are that tall. Eric Vendt especially has apparently grown several inches in the last few years. :cool:
And Masayuki Kishida is sub 6 feet, he swam sprint fly and freestyle (19.2,43.3 in free and 45.4 in fly at SC Nationals) for Japan in Beijing. Tomomi Morita, Kosuke Kitajima, and Kohei Kawamoto are 3 other shorter Japanese swimmers.
Both Dominik Meichtry and Jean Basson are under or right at six feet.
Also worth noting, according to Dave Cromwell Ian Crocker only has size 11 feet. Though I think he's six five.
Basically, being tall helps, but it isn't so cut and dry in the water.
EDIT: And Riaan Schoeman who swims for South Africa (400 IM) is like 5' 7".
