Swimming 101: A Resource Guide


Swimming has always been a favorite past time all over the world. Young people spend their summers at the local community pools, a lake, or on the ocean beaches. Older swimmers find swimming to be an exercise that is easy on the joints and soothing for the body. While swimming itself is lots of fun, it is also an exciting sport to watch. Swimming is a popular Olympic sport with many fans.

Biomechanics of swimming

The study of biomechanics is a combination of the study of motion, human anatomy and the principles of physics. Swimmers use the science of biomechanics to improve their swim performance. Biomechanics is also considered when designing swimsuits for competitive swimmers. Even a slight improvement in speed due to biomechanics can make the difference when racing.

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Hydrodynamics of swimming

Hydrodynamics is the study of liquids in motion and how it interacts with mass. Swimmers are concerned with hydrodynamics because in understanding how water moves, they can become more competent swimmers. Hydrodynamics are involved in propelling a swimmer from one place to another. The swimmer who understands hydrodynamics will be more efficient.

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Physiology of swimming

Physiology, as it relates to sports such as swimming, is the study of how the human body relates to physical stress. Understanding physiology is an important part of sports medicine.  A swimmer who is concerned with the physiology of swimming can create training plans that minimize injury and maximize strength. The function of physiology of swimming is to ensure that athletes operate at peak performance

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Psychology of swimming

Psychology is an important aspect of competitive swimming. To win, not only do swimmers have to be strong and fast, they must have a positive attitude. They must believe that they are winners. Coaches are concerned with their swimmers psychological well being and prepare them physically and mentally for competition.

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Training for swimming

Man is the only mammal that has to learn to swim so training is important for any swimmer. For competitive swimmers, training is even more important. Without a good training program a swimmer will not be successful. A good training program helps to build endurance, strength and skill. 

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Famous swimmers

Most people can name at least one famous swimmer. Olympic swimmers are often idolized by the public. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, the world was wowed and amazed by Michael Phelps. The following list is a list of famous swimmers, including Michael Phelps. While they are not all Olympic Gold Medalists, they have all carved out a place of recognition in the swimming world.

  • Michael Phelps: The Wikipedia page for Michael Phelps, the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time.
  • Mark Spitz: An article about Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Spitz.
  • Gertrude Ederle: An article about Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel.
  • Annette Kellerman:  An article about Annette Kellerman who is said to have been the mother of synchronized swimming. 
  • Esther Williams: A short biography of Esther Williams, Olympic swimmer, movie star and synchronized swimmer.
  • Captain Matthew Webb: An article about Captain Matthew Webb, the first swimmer to cross the English Channel. 
  • Coney Island Polar Bear Club: Information on the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States.
  • Johnny Weissmuller: The wikipedia page of Johnny Weismuller who was best known for his film role as Tarzan. He was an Olympic swimming champion.
  • Martin Strel: An article about Martin Strel, a Guinness record marathon swimmer who was the first person to swim the Amazon River.
  • Bula Chowdhury: An article about Bula Chowdhury, the first woman to swim across seven seas in five continents.
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Swimming tips and techniques

Swimming in a pool has different rules than swimming in an Ocean. In the list below are tips for pool swimming, open water swimming and how to swim in a rip current. Also listed are swimming techniques to improve swimming strokes. It is important to know how to swim correctly and how to swim in different settings.

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