Michael Phelps vs. Other Olympic Swimmers?

Question

For anyone who has watched the Olympics it is obvious that Michael Phelps is nearly unbeatable in the water, and so it makes sense that the sports commentators would say things along the lines of "he just has better genes than all his competitors," but is this actually true? Is he actually built much better for swimming than everyone else? If anyone who has a more extensive background in swimming than I do wants to comment I would appreciate your insight.

Answer 1

well i watched an interview with his coach Bob and he was explaining how Michael Phelps' body is made for swimming. He said:

--his big feet and hands help him move through the water easier.

--his long torso makes him ride very high on the water.

--his legs aren't very long so he has powerful kicking abilities.

--his ankles and shoulders are extremely flexible.

Go here:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athl...

and scroll down to interviews and go to "Breaking down Phelps' Assets" (3rd video)

hope i helped =]

Answer 2

he has the ideal swimmers body:

hes 6'4" but has a wingspan of 6'7"

size 14 feet, which act as flippers lol!

a longer torso than most of the swimmers

his father was flipper the dolphin (...ok not really)

so yeah, it genetics. he can thanks his parents for all of those wonderful genes!

Answer 3

Watch Michael Phelps at Beijing 2008 Olympic swmming finals below.

http://www.freakncool.com

Answer 4

I thik part of it is natural--his body, being so big, and flexible, But I also think a lot of it comes from his drive/desire. A few days ago there was an interview on TV about how he was 11 and his mom put him in swimming lessons because she was a single mom and he needed a male role model. The coach recognized he was good and started training him for the olympics. So I think it is a good balance of both. He is amazing in the water and I think he wants to win, but is also built to do it!

Answer 5

I don't know much about swimming but Michael is incredibly flexible (ankles, knees and shoulders) is 6'3" tall but has a 30" inseam with size 13 shoe size (almost like wearing flippers).

Most importantly, he is incredibly focused and trains like crazy.