Rio Olympic Swimming and Lane Choices

[nafod]

This is a cool graphic, shows the difference in times per direction for each of the lanes swam in. Different times result in longer total lap times.

In the outer lanes, you were pretty much screwed.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/won ... ge%2Fstory

[DikTracy6000]

This is a cool graphic, shows the difference in times per direction for each of the lanes swam in. Different times result in longer total lap times.

In the outer lanes, you were pretty much screwed.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/won ... ge%2Fstory

Aren't the outgoing laps skewed by the initial dive into the pool at the start? And it makes some sense that you're fresher on laps 1-3-5-7, etc. than you'd be on laps 2-4-6-8. Not a lot, but a half second on each plus maybe 3/4 second advantage on the first lap could skew results. Or maybe not. While I didn't have Seeahill's or Boris' swimming experience, I preferred a middle lane rather than the lane next to a wall. The chop seemed to be worse on those lanes. While I never timed it, it always seemed like you could glide quicker in a deep water lake or quarry.

[tonkadtx]

I don't know if this study accounts for it, but the winners of the Prelims were assigned the middle lanes as choice lane assignments for the finals. I don't know if the prelims were assigned by seating or random draw. It seemed to be generally acknowledged that the center lanes were better.

Same goes for Track & Field with the Inner Lane.

[Boris]

There are a lot of fast pools that are known for having some current. It really sucks if you are swimming a 50 against the current. I guess theoretically it evens out on a 100, but I wouldn't want it if I can help it - swimming against it messes w. you psychologically even if it gives you a boost half the time.

Not a lot you can do about though. Just one of those things, probably like rain and wind in a track and field event. You just do what you can.

[nafod]

The rest of the article addressed some of the questions. They didn't use the first or last lap for data, since those are "strategy laps". Better prelim times do get middle lanes.

Some cool data analysis.

[DikTracy6000]

We were expected to read an article? Ok then nevermind.

[TerryB]

nafod, you are consistently the most boring person alive.

[nafod]

nafod, you are consistently the most boring person alive.

So...I take the gold?

[TerryB]

If banality were an Olympic sport, you'd be Usain Bolt.