Flipturned

Training

Training these days has been advanced by specialists to address the needs of all ages and circumstances. It is very complex and even age group swimmers train around 8-12 hours a week. Nevertheless, training had to start somewhere and there has been much progress made.

Training in the late 1800's was very minimal compared to present day. For most, it was a 15 minute (no more than 1/2 mile) technique-focused swim. They included some cross training with walking and running but were mostly just told to eat well and stay healthy. Alfred Hajós, winner of the first Olympic 100m free (1896), would've trained very similarly to this.

In the early 1900's, the training increased slightly but one mile was still considered “extreme”. Weissmuller however was only training about 1/4 of a mile which is very interesting considering his swimming abilities. Once again, staying healthy and getting a good night's rest was a big priority.

Around the 1930's, in most countries a one mile practice had become the average for training. They were still very technique focused but would often add kick or sprints at the end. The Japanese however had taken a different turn and Olympic potentials were swimming up to 5 miles (8km). This was the start of the Japanese Era where Japanese swimmers were virtually unbeatable in all events. It is possible this is the cause of another training increase in the 1940's for most countries.

The 1950's brought in a new approach to training including intervals (from Europe), heart rate and race pace. These new methods allow swimmers to train smarter as they are training to tolerate fatigue. Fraser and Henricks swam two practices both including sets with high effort. The two practices combined equalled about 8km and with each including effort sets, this definitely helped shape them into the champions they became.

Over the next 25 years, training for elite swimmers has increased to 20-25 hours a week. A big difference in the training is that it is more race pace oriented than in previous years. Sets include intensity and speed similar to that of a race.

Swimmers are now capable of so much more as the training approaches and plans have drastically improved with experience.