Do you think Michael Phelps has an interesting shape to his body?

Question

I was watching the olympics last night and they pointed out that he also has a really long torso and very short legs. He has a really big wing span, big hands and feet, a tiny waist and a flat butt. Do you think this is why he is so good at swimming?

Answer 1

I saw that segment, too! It was pretty interesting for them to point all of that out. ^_^ I've never really noticed that his legs are "short" until they commented on it. It was funny to see how they talk about his body parts as if he's a robot. xD

All of those factors do add to Michael Phelps's success as a swimmer; however, it's also his routine, talents, and hard work that brought him to where he is today. =D If you were gifted with the almost perfect body of a swimmer and you don't have the determination or the drive that Phelps has, you'd go no where because swimming as fast as he can takes A LOT of practice! So, to say that he's the good swimmer just because he has all the right dynamics for it is false since he does put A LOT of practice to perfect his skills and time. =D

Watch him tonight and tomorrow's night!

http://www.nbcolympics.com/swimming/resu...

The NBC site above listed the schedule as:

08/15/2008 10:10pm (EST) Men's 100m Butterfly -- Final

08/16/2008 10:58pm (EST) Men's 4x100m Medley Relay -- Final

Answer 2

Yeah my brother and I were talking about this last night. I don't know if that's why he swims how he does though. i also noticed he has flat feet and that most Olympic swimmers are well over 6 ft tall (for men at least)  

Answer 3

I was listening to NPR the other day and they had a scientist on who did research about how fish and marine mammals swim.  They decided to do a comparative study on human swimmers and Michael Phelps was one of the swimmers they looked at! The guy who was being interviewed basically said that part of the reason he is so good is because he is so awesome at that "dolphin kick" technique and the REASON he is so good at it (or part of the reason) is his long feet! They work like a flipper, basically.  So he has a definite genetic advantage.  Obviously his dedication and training play a huge role as well but he really does seem to be built for the sport.

Answer 4

he does have it all! i agree with someone else's answer.

he does have an interesting shape. i saw that clip last night and i think it's different that for such a tall person it's all in his torso and short legs. i know, he has such a big wing span. i do think that his height and stuff and just the fact of how big he is makes him swim better. a lot of the swimmers are probably big but Michael is soo amazing!  

Answer 5

they also said that his wing span is 79' and he is 72' tall. odd. and to be a good swimmer you need a long boat ( body) big paddles (hands) and big feet

Hope IT Helps!!!

Answer 6

yes its basically the whole reason, hes bulit for speed. his shoulders to waist is built in a V-shape, which helps him in butterfly

Answer 7

Yeah, he is built like a freak.   He looks like aliens designed him.

Answer 8

i know, its so wierd!!! i mean having hands as big as plates!!! he also has 10,000 cal. a day.my dad said it will b a big problem if he continues eating that way even after he stops swimming. he spends a lot of his day in water, his children r going to have human and half water creatures!!(no offence 2 anyone)theyre goin 2 b like amphibians!!

Answer 9

I think his body shape is definately an asset to his swimming, also he practices a lot and he's very determined!

Answer 10

Yes. My husband is built the same way and he is a great swimmer!

Answer 11

yea i do think Michael Phelps has a interesting shape its gorgeous! yea because hes body shape helps him move better in the water. and everything they sad during the olympics all help him in the water.  

Answer 12

yes, his body shape does help him with swimming fast. he has doubled jointed ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. this turning him almost into a fish. his ankles can bend like 10-15 degrees more than a normal person and with his big feet, it turns them into like flippers. basically, he was built for swimming. and thats why hes the greatest Olympian ever in history  

Answer 13

on top of that, his ankles are also double jointed to give his feet a full flap. all his physical features give him an extra edge in swimming over his competition

Answer 14

Of course! That's the PERFECT male swimming bod! He's genetically blessed. I think swimmers body's are hot. Perfect female swimmer body's are lean and no curves. Plus small b*****s. Yes, it sucks, but it is very helpful when it comes to swimming!

Answer 15

omg! haha he as made for swimming! i mean seriously. he has size 14 feet the almost substitutes for flippers, his wingspan is 3 inches more than his height of 6'4" and he has double jointed ankles. that is the ideal body for a swimmer. what can i say? micheal phelps was destined to swim