SWIMMING

Fractions of a second can decide a race, so well-executed turns are key.

Freestyle*

Streamlining the body

Flip turn

1 About a bodys length away from wall, swimmer

tucks chin to chest, starts forward flip Faster rotation increases speed carried off wall

2 While rotating

quickly, opens body and extends legs

3 Pushes

hard off wall

4 Streamlining body, glides

*Similar flip turn used in backstroke

to make most of push-off speed, then rolls onto stomach

Open turn
1 Swimmer
touches wall with both hands, drawing legs into crouching position

3 Points toes and 2 Twists to face water while

placing both feet against wall, then ducks into water and pushes off

Used in breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley when switching strokes

pushes shoulders against ears to streamline body; rules allow one underwater kick
2012 MCT

Source: Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), Sports: The Complete Visual Reference, Superguides Swimming, eHow.com, coachesinfo.com

SWIMMING

One rough swim

The open water swim race, considered by many to be one of the toughest Olympic events, is a two-hour 10-km (6.2-mi.) race requiring strength and endurance.

The start

Swim caps required at start, can be discarded later

Swimmers numbered on both arms, shoulder blades and backs of hands

Swimmers divide into packs, then jostle for the No. 2 position, which allows them to watch the competition, catch draft off leader Referee boats watch for swimmers violating rules

The finish

Transponders used for timing attached to wrist Each swimmer has about 2 ft. (60 cm) of space on starting platform Platforms very crowded; if a coach falls in water, swimmer is disqualified

Swimmers must touch the pad at end of course for time to be counted; cameras and officials determine finish order Set up to help swimmers go the distance; swimmers grab cups filled with energy gel from feeding sticks held by their coaches Sticks have flag on the end so swimmers know which one to grab
2012 MCT Source: International Olympic Committee, 10kswim.com Graphic: Melina Yingling

Feeding stations

Swimmer spots coach

Continues Reaches for kicking to keep cup while momentum turning

Swallows, Continues swimming; feeding takes 2-3 finishes seconds turning

Olympic swimsuits
All but two of the 25 records broken in swimming events at the Beijing Olympics were done wearing the now banned Speedos LZR Racer. Speedos new Fastskin 3 suit claims to make swimmers even faster.

3-system suit
1
Goggles Leak resistant; 180 degree peripheral vision lens

2
Cap 3D mapping used to fit head, face contours exactly

3
Fastskin 3 swimsuit

High stretch, allows movement

Streamlined suit
Main focus is to reduce friction or drag a swimmer experiences in water Hydrodynamic drag Water passing over the body as it moves through the pool

New guidelines ban full-body polyurethane suits Fabric provides compression; streamlines body Compression panels

Form drag Bumps, curves and muscle oscillations on swimmers body; hinder progress in water

Better swimming 16.6%

Reduction in drag on swimsuit resistance
2012 MCT

Bonded seams seams reduce reduce water resistance

5.2%
Reduction in drag on waters surface

11%
Improvement in swimmers oxygen; allows more powerful swimming

Source: Speedo

Graphic: Melina Yingling