PATHFIT 2 MIDTERMS

• Freestyle swimming


  Also known as front crawl, one of the most popular and fastest swimming strokes used in competitive and recreational swimming
• Freestyle swimming technique


  • Continuous alternating motion of the arms and a flutter kick to propel the swimmer forward
  • Swimmers maintain a horizontal body position, keeping their head down, and rotating their bodies from side to side to reduce resistance and increase speed
  • Breathing is coordinated with the arm strokes, with swimmers taking a breath to the side while turning their head to avoid disrupting the rhythm of the stroke
• Notable figures in the development and popularization of freestyle swimming

  • Richard Cavill
  • Matthew Webb
  • Duke Kahanamoku
• Origin of freestyle

  The front crawl stroke has its origins in indigenous cultures around the world, where people used a similar technique to move swiftly through water for fishing and transportation
• Evolution of freestyle technique

  1. In the early 20th century, Australian swimmer Fanny Durack and British swimmer Johnny Weissmuller popularized the overarm stroke, which became the foundation for modern freestyle swimming

  2. Swimmers started to focus on streamlining their bodies and improving their kicking and arm movements to reduce drag and increase speed
• Development of freestyle training


  1. Advancements in sports science and technology led to the evolution of training methods, incorporating techniques to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility

  2. Coaches and swimmers began to study the biomechanics of the stroke, refining the technique to maximize efficiency and performance
• Popular freestyle swimmers

  • Johnny Weissmuller (USA)
  • Mark Spitz (USA)
  • Ian Thorpe (Australia)
  • Katie Ledecky (USA)
  • Michael Phelps (USA)
  • Sarah Sjöström (Sweden)
• Backstroke


  One of the four primary strokes used in competitive swimming, involving swimming on one's back with alternating arm movements and a flutter kick
• Notable figures in the development and popularization of backstroke

  • David Armbruster
  • Jack Sieg
  • Coach Bob Kiphuth
• Origin of backstroke

  One of the oldest swimming strokes, with records of its existence dating back to ancient civilizations
• Evolution of backstroke technique

  1. In the early days, the backstroke was swum with a breaststroke kick, which was later replaced by the more effective flutter kick

  2. The introduction of the flutter kick marked a significant evolution in the backstroke technique
• Rule changes and standardization of backstroke

  Governing bodies like FINA established rules and standards to promote consistency and uniformity in backstroke performance
• Backstroke technique


  • Continuous alternating arm motion and a flutter kick, with swimmers rotating their shoulders and hips to generate power and maintain balance
• The backstroke has become a highly competitive and popular swimming event in both national and international competitions
• Popular backstroke swimmers

  • Ryan Murphy (USA)
  • Aaron Peirsol (USA)
  • Missy Franklin (USA)
  • Katinka Hosszú (Hungary)
  • Matt Grevers (USA)
  • Kylie Masse (Canada)
• Breaststroke is one of the oldest and most traditional swimming strokes, with a history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations
• Katinka Hosszú

  Also known as "Iron Lady," a versatile swimmer who has excelled in multiple events, including the backstroke
• Katinka Hosszú


  • Olympic and World Champion in the backstroke events
  • Consistently performed at the highest level in international competitions
• Matt Grevers


  An accomplished backstroke swimmer with multiple Olympic gold medals and world records
• Matt Grevers

  • Known for his strong kick and efficient stroke technique
  • A key figure in American backstroke swimming for many years
• Kylie Masse

  A Canadian backstroke specialist who has achieved remarkable success in international competitions
• Kylie Masse


  • World record holder in the 100m backstroke
  • Olympic medalist
• Breaststroke


  One of the oldest and most traditional swimming strokes
• Breaststroke has a history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations where swimming was not only a recreational activity but also essential for survival and warfare
• Notable figures in the development and popularization of freestyle swimming

  • Lord Byron
  • Frederick Cavill
• Ancient drawings and records depict swimmers using breaststroke-like movements in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
• These early forms of breaststroke were likely developed out of necessity, allowing people to navigate water bodies for fishing, gathering, and crossing rivers
• Over time, the breaststroke evolved and became more refined as a competitive swimming technique
• Rules and techniques for breaststroke swimming were formalized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to its inclusion in organized swimming competitions
• Breaststroke technique


  1. Swimmer in a horizontal position, arms extended forward and legs together

  2. Simultaneous arm pull, hands move outward and then sweep inward towards the chest

  3. Whip-like "frog kick" or "whip kick" of the legs

  4. Breathing coordinated with the arm pull, allowing the swimmer to lift their head out of the water for a breath before returning to a streamlined position
• Kosuke Kitajima

  A four-time Olympic gold medalist, one of the most successful breaststroke swimmers in Olympic history
• Kosuke Kitajima


  • Won gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at both the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics
• Rebecca Soni

  A six-time Olympic medalist, renowned for her excellence in breaststroke events
• Rebecca Soni


  • Won gold medals in the 200m breaststroke at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics, setting a world record in the latter
• Adam Peaty

  Widely regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers of all time
• Adam Peaty


  • Has broken numerous world records and won multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals
  • Known for his dominant performances in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke events
• Lilly King

  A two-time Olympic gold medalist, known for her fierce competitiveness and outstanding breaststroke technique
• Lilly King


  • Won gold medals in the 100m breaststroke at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
• Cameron van der Burgh

  An Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder, a notable breaststroke swimmer
• Cameron van der Burgh


  • Won the 100m breaststroke gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and has multiple World Championship titles to his name