How do elite swimmers adjust their pace in the 200m breaststroke and butterfly events?

Abstract

The study focuses on analyzing the rhythm strategy in elite swimmers in the 200m breaststroke and butterfly events. Data were collected from finalists in six World Championships and three Olympic Games. The analysis covered split times, total race time, and adopted strategies. In the men's 200m breaststroke, a positive strategy was observed, spending more %Time in the initial splits and less in the latter ones. The ? transition between the 1st and 2nd place was crucial in the 1st split. In the women's event, the 4th split was decisive. In the 200m butterfly, men did not present a clear strategy, while women adopted a uniform strategy, accelerating in the final stretch. The positive strategy in breaststroke can be attributed to speed fluctuations, while butterfly swimming requires minimizing variations. Swimmers of both genders in the 200m breaststroke adopt a positive strategy, spending more %Time in the initial splits. In the 200m butterfly, distinct strategies are observed between genders, with men lacking a clear strategy, and women adopting a uniform strategy. Technical analysis and a careful choice of rhythm strategy are essential to enhance competitive performance.