Prepare to be captivated by the backstroke, one of the four fundamental swimming styles. This style sets itself apart from the others by having a completely unique starting position. You could say it’s like a flipped version of the front crawl, but instead of looking forward, you’re gazing upwards at the sky. Swimming backstroke is truly a fascinating spectacle to witness.
The Advantages and Challenges of Swimming Backstroke
One of the most attractive aspects of backstroke is the effortless breathing. Swimmers can breathe freely without needing to turn their heads. However, there’s a downside to this: swimmers can’t see where they’re going! This lack of visibility can be a bit tricky, especially when trying to maintain a straight path. Despite this challenge, backstroke is known for its speed, reaching up to 1.89 meters per second, which is on par with the butterfly stroke. It’s truly a dynamic and exciting style to watch.
The Distance Events of Backstroke
The backstroke is a versatile stroke, as it’s featured in numerous distances. Whether it’s a 50-meter pool (long course) or a 25-meter pool (short course), you can find backstroke events in three popular distances: 50 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters. These races are thrilling to watch, as swimmers push their limits and compete for the gold.
The Backstroke’s Role in Medley Events
The backstroke is not just a stand-alone event, but it also plays a crucial role in the individual medley and medley relay races. These events are a showcase of all four major swimming strokes, and the backstroke is an integral part of this exciting competition. Imagine watching swimmers seamlessly transition from one stroke to the next, each stroke displaying its own unique characteristics and demands. It’s a breathtaking display of athleticism and skill! The backstroke appears in these four medley events: 100-meter individual medley, 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter individual medley, and 4×100-meter medley relay.
The Exciting Start and Finish of the Backstroke Race
At the start of a backstroke race, swimmers line up in the water, facing the opposite end of the pool. This is a unique feature of the backstroke, where swimmers begin their journey with their backs to the finish line. At the end of the race, the swimmers must touch the wall with their hands to mark the end of their journey. It’s a thrilling moment as they strive to be the first to reach the wall and secure their victory.
