Arrogance Vs. Confidence

We all remember the trash talking before the 100m Fly final between Phelps & Cavic and we all remember the hype before the 4x100 Free relay at the 2008 Olympics with the french and american teams. But why? Surely you would expect that athletes at such a level would be able to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Th truth is there is a reason, other than complete arrogance, for all this shouting.

If someone asks who is the best boxer of all time, the answer you are most likely to hear is Muhammad Ali. The reason for his success, apart from his determination and natural ability, was the fact that he truly believed he was unstoppable and as a result, so did everyone else. Ali once said, "To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are."
Essentially, if you don't believe you are going to win a race, you probably won't.
This why the best swimmers come across as arrogant, partly because they have earned the right to do so but also because if they didn't behave in such a manner, they'd probably be average.

So yes, be confident, be cocky but don't be a prick. Have faith in yourself and your training but don't feel the need to criticize your opponent. This doesn't show confidence, in fact it shows insecurity. So rather than telling some one else they suck, tell yourself you're the best because at the end of the day, wether people judge you as confident or arrogant is determined by the outcome of the race.

Why FINA banned suits

I'm sure we all remember the hype surrounding the then new swim suits in 2008 & 2009 which were used to break almost every swimming world record that had previously existed. It was suits like the Arena X-Glide, Speedo LZR and Jaked 01 that were responsible for dozens of new records being set.

I once heard a commentator at the 2011 World Champs sarcastically ask, "who didn't break a world record at Rome in 2009?"
Many people believed that FINA decided to ban the suits because they were overly instrumental in the setting of these new, unbelievably fast times. The reason, however, for the suits being banned was not because they were making swimmers too fast but because they were making certain swimmers faster than others.

The suits no longer simply created a streamlined surface for water to flow over your body but they actually changed the shape of your body and the position in which it sat in the water. It was therefore judged by FINA that the suits created an unfair advantage for athletes of a certain size and body shape.



Alain Bernard and Eamon Sullivan were the two hot contenders for the 2008 Beijing 100 Free Olympic title. Both swimmers had very different techniques and body structures, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. FINA decided that it was unfair for the suits to benefit one swimmer over another and that their success should be determined by their own physical capabilities and not the correspondence between their style of swimming and training with an race suit.



Unfortunately swimming just isn't as exciting to watch as it used to be with the wide array of suits that were on display.

Cold Water Swimming.

Seriously? How bored do you have to be to do this regularly? Swim across the atlantic or across the english channel and call it a cold water swim but don't swim across a pool and call it a sport because the water is icy cold.
As far as I understand, the objective has nothing to do with how fast you can swim but how silly you can look doing it.
I do believe that is a gerbil of some kind.

Alain Bernard

Just win.

Swimming & Beach VolleyBall

Recently, I was lucky enough to compete against several international swimmers. One of which was the very talented Zsuzsanna Jakabos. It may have been the highly competitive swimming that attracted the hordes of spectators or, more likely, it may have bee Miss Jakabos herself with her interesting fashion sense. Regardless of what drew the crowds, there were swarms of guys who came to watch her swim, and by "swim" I totally mean stare at her butt.












So with the 2012 London Games approaching fast, I started to anticipate the women's swimming. I then realized there are a lot of similarities between women's swimming and beach volleyball; not because there are copious numbers of bums on display butbecause they are both highly competitive, fast paced sporting events.

Swim into the wall.

Yes, we all do it. That last meter into the wall seems really far and we just don't feel like doing it but working on our finishes is really important and can make a huge difference in the out come of a race. Just ask Milorad.

When to Air Punch

We all like winning, we all like to let people know that we won but when is it ok to air punch?
The extent to which you may air punch is dictated by the prestige of the meet. There are a few general rules that apply:
If you didn't win, don't air punch. I don't care if you beat Michael Phelps and Ryan Locthe but came second. No air punches allowed. If the meet is televised, and if you win, you may then generally air punch. If the gala is visited by an international or celebrity swimmer, you may air punch. The size of the punch is determined by your age and the depth of the competitive field in the particular event. If you are one of a few competitive swimmers at a school meet or your opponents just suck, you may not air punch. It's unsportsmanly and quite frankly, rather lame. If you are from a highly competitive school with a rigorous swimming program you may air punch at a high school meet provided that you are in your final two years. Air punching is a privilege reserved for older swimmers. If you are below the age of 16, air punches generally look silly so just avoid them unless you are at an international or national meet.


The single fisted linear motion. Very simple and conservative but very effective.


The finger wave. technically not an air punch but very classy.


The single fist raise, possibly the best option for girls.


The two handed claim. Reserved for Olympics, World Champs & NCAA.


The double flex. Reserved for world record breakers.


The total domination splash. Reserved for debut title wins and people who beat world record holders.

When in doubt, don't air punch. People will probably laugh at you.

Who to watch out for in 2012

Obviously last years NCAA winners, Cal Berkeley, will be a team to watch out for comes the end of the season but the rankings have shifted and several other teams are making big pushes towards grabbing the title.
Arizona are currently ranked 1st but my pick would have to be either the Texas Longhorns or Michigan Wolverines.
Regardless of what happens, things will be exciting.

Like I said, College Swimming.

Aaron Piersol & Ryk Neethling

Aaron Piersol was recently on a local radio station (5 fm) talking about a swim clinic he will be doing with Ryk Neethling and the Players Swim Club. Being coached by either of these men would be a privilege but to have the opportunity to work with both of them is almost unbelievable.

If you are in the Gauteng or Cape Town area, I suggest you check it out.

The clinic will take place at Menlo Park High School in Pretoria and at the Val de Vie Wine and Polo estate in CT.
It will definitely be worth the R200.

Gideon Louw

Cesar Cielo Filho at Auburn University

College Swimming

College swimming is just the best. It seriously is the most exciting swimming competition there is, for both swimmers and spectators.

Arizona

Finis StrokeLab

The Finis StrokeLab is essentially a very in depth, very critical online tool where you can submit videos of yourself swimming and receive helpful critiques and advice. All you need is an waterproof camera and a credit card. It really is a great innovation which I don't think has been totally utilized yet.

Check it out at strokelab.finisnc.com

Michale Phelps is Retiring?

This may come as a surprise to some and maybe not be such a shock to others but Michael Phelps has released an official statement in which he has announced his retirement from the sport after the 2012 London Olympics.

Apparently he is to retire after the games, regardless of the outcome. Whether this actually happens is a different story. Phelps always has been and surely always will be a fierce competitor and I'm sure he will be itching for a good race after a few weeks off.

He will certainly be remember as one of the greatest olympians and athletes who ever lived and competed and his record will certainly remain for many years to come.