Quote:I have been lurking in this conversation, but I have to comment on this one. I am the mother of a former competitive swimmer. I have watched more workouts and worked at more competitions than I care to recall.
You are mistaken. The ability to do the breast stroke well is not any indicator of ability to do the backstroke or any other stroke well - or rather, well enough to win in competition.
I will agree that Phelps is uniquely suited, by his physical make-up, to be a swimmer. But 'doing all events' and winning at all events are very different things.
I don't agree. We are talkign about a very special individual here. A few of the other great swimmers (Thorpe en van den Hoogeband) also had very typical body shapes. Thorpe had size 16 feet if I am not mistaken, and van den Hoogenbands torso was 'dented' giving him a perfect shape for going fast.
The biggest proof is that a 100m winner could never win a 1000m as well. (running I mean)