Coaching

Do Ian Thorpe’s Comments Also Apply to Women’s 200 Freestyle

May 26, 2021 Rick Madge2 Comments

Last week I analyzed the Men’s 200 Freestyle in light of Ian Thorpe’s comments (see here). This week I’m looking at the Women’s elite 200 Freestylers. Briefly, Thorpe said that if swimmers can’t go out hard and match his impressive last 50 speed, then they have to go out very hard and survive that last… Continue reading Do Ian Thorpe’s Comments Also Apply to Women’s 200 Freestyle

Coaching

200 Freestyle Analysis in Light of Ian Thorpe’s Comments

May 18, 2021 Rick Madge4 Comments

It’s a little daunting to analyze a statement from one of the best swimmers the world has ever seen. But here goes. A few months ago, Ian Thorpe assessed the world of 200 freestyle, and declared that the everyone was swimming it wrong. Basically, he says that if swimmers don’t have his incredible last 50… Continue reading 200 Freestyle Analysis in Light of Ian Thorpe’s Comments

Coaching

Can Short Swimmers Compete at the Highest Levels?

November 1, 2014November 1, 2014 Rick Madge69 Comments

I know this is a provocative title, but it's a serious question. I often get approached by parents asking if their relatively short child has a future as a swimmer. And of course I say yes, because every swimmer should strive to reach their potential. But there is a deeper question buried in there. Can… Continue reading Can Short Swimmers Compete at the Highest Levels?

Coaching

200 Freestyle: Sprint or Distance?

July 3, 2014July 4, 2014 Rick Madge4 Comments

If you're aware of my series on the analyzing how the elite swim the 200s, you'll know that I've collected a lot of data on elite swimmers. So it seemed natural for me to use this data to answer (at least to myself) an age-old question. Is the 200 Freestyle more sprint-oriented or more distance-oriented?… Continue reading 200 Freestyle: Sprint or Distance?

Coaching

Swimming By the Numbers: How Elite Swimmers Swim the 200 Free

May 23, 2014May 23, 2014 Rick Madge9 Comments

I've long wondered about the strategies elite swimmers use for the 200s. It is perhaps the toughest distance to swim, as it involves a good mix of sprint speed and endurance. I've wondered as to how hard they take it out, or how hard the middle 100 should be? Are there appreciable differences between how… Continue reading Swimming By the Numbers: How Elite Swimmers Swim the 200 Free