Dream Races: The Swimming Events That Would Provide Some Uniqueness and Entertainment

Dream Races: The Swimming Events That Would Provide Some Uniqueness

When I competed in summer-league meets, one of the most difficult transitions I had to make was switching from 25-yard races to 50 yards. One lap seemed doable, two was completely out of the question. I didn’t understand how I could possibly stay afloat for that long. Fortunately, I overcame that obstacle, but I, like many other swimmers, miss the fun of those super short races. With this in mind, I crafted a list of the swimming events swimmers REALLY want to contest.

Kickboard Races

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

My summer league’s six and under championship has a kickboard race, and it was without a doubt my favorite. I remember standing on the blocks with my toes dangling over the edge, arms clutching the bright blue kickboard that was too big for my tiny arms. When the buzzer sounded, I jumped as far as I could and kicked like crazy. Personally, I think everyone should have the same experience.

75s, 150s, 225s – And Other Strange Distances

Lots of swimmers swim these distances in practice, so why not make them real events? They could also be used as tools to improve their “real” race counterparts. Need to attack the first part of a 200 freestyle? Now you can in a meet-like setting.

The Works: No Technology Is Off Limits

The super-suit era absolutely demolished the record books, and a number of those swims stand over a decade later. But why stop at super suits? Imagine how fast you could go in a super suit, with fins and paddles? The sky’s the limit. Now THAT is some racing I’d like to see.

The Anti-Works, How Difficult Can You Make It?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, why not make races way harder than they have to be? I would want to see DragSox, baggy practice suits, anything that would increase resistance. This would be a test of sheer strength, endurance and determination.

12.5 or “The Dressel”

Jul 31, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Caeleb Dressel (USA) dives into the water at the start of the men's 50 freestyle semifinal during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Grace Hollars

Because sometimes even a 25 is too long. But seriously, who wouldn’t want to know what times Dressel could clock in this fictitious race? It’s a completely anaerobic event. How much power can you generate off the blocks? How powerful can your underwaters be? How do you perfect your breakout? There’s absolutely no room for error. Anything could happen.

Dolphin Kick Breaststroke

Imagine how competitive this could be. When you take the kick out of breastroke, the playing field opens up significantly. Who can catch the most water? Who can generate the most powerful dolphin kick? How do you adjust your tempo? This race poses all sorts of questions.

This is my open invitation to include your race ideas. Feel free to make suggestions in the comments, and once we get FINA to sanction them, we’ll be good to go.

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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Mike Griggs

2 years ago

I would love to see 25s in each stroke and maybe 100 IM and 4 x 25 relays. 25s are about the time equivalent of the 100 yard dash in trash.

Ken

2 years ago

The spin swim. First stroke freestyle, second stroke backstroke and just turning over with each stroke.