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To: miss marmelstein
The swimming issue ...

... is more of anthropometric genetics between the races.

If you take a typical 6' black guy, and a typical 6' white guy, the black guy is more likely going to have longer legs (inseam), which means a shorter torso.

While that ratio may be a benefit in running, it's more of a negative in swimming, performance-wise.

There are reasons ships and subs are designed the way they are.

There are always exceptions, of course.

20 posted on 08/09/2012 6:33:17 AM PDT by Calvin Locke
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To: Calvin Locke
If you take a typical 6' black guy, and a typical 6' white guy, the black guy is more likely going to have longer legs (inseam), which means a shorter torso.

While that ratio may be a benefit in running, it's more of a negative in swimming, performance-wise.

I'm reminded of this everytime I scuba dive. I'm not black, but I'm well over 6 ft with very long legs and low body-fat. I have to "trim" in order to keep my legs from 'sinking' so that when I fin I remain 'level' in the water.

Long distance swimming is particularly tiring since I have to exaggerate my body position in the water. I kind of have to tuck my chin to draw my body's center of mass more over my center of buoyancy. This allows me to propel myself through the water more efficiently. If I don't my legs 'drop' and some of my motion is required just to keep myself 'up' in the water. Much more tiring.

38 posted on 08/09/2012 6:56:59 AM PDT by Tallguy (It's all 'Fun and Games' until somebody loses an eye!)
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