• Question: I really love swimming but I really hate science. How does science come into swimming?

    Asked by 964medh27 to Sarah, Mohan, Jen, Dan, Christopher on 13 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Daniel Fovargue

      Daniel Fovargue answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      In computer and maths modelling, fluid flow and aerodynamics are research areas that people work on quite a lot. So, I’m sure there are scientists studying the aerodynamics of swimmers. And probably the materials that the swimsuits are made of too.

      The actual process of a person swimming is very complex. But I know some scientists who currently work on jellyfish (and other simple creatures) and how they swim. Maybe in the future, we will do more complex computer simulations of people swimming.

    • Photo: Jen Dennis

      Jen Dennis answered on 13 Mar 2017:

      That’s a fantastic question! I love swimming too and was a member of a swimming club when I was at school, I’m not nearly as fast now as I used to be, though 😉.

      Science is used to figure out all sorts of things to do with swimming but the main areas of work, to my knowledge, are in the materials used for the swimming costumes. The aim is to produce a material with minimum drag (friction) in the water so it’s a bit like studying the aerodynamics of cars and aeroplanes except that it’s water rather than air. It’s very complex and not my area of expertise at all but I’m sure it would be a really interesting to be involved in.

    • Photo: Sarah De Vos

      Sarah De Vos answered on 14 Mar 2017:

      To add to Dan and Jen’s answers, if you were to become a swimming coach for instance, or personal trainer you’d have to know about anatomy. Or maybe you’ll get into diving and want to learn more about marine biology?

    • Photo: Mohan K

      Mohan K answered on 14 Mar 2017:

      Someone I know has signed up to do a triathlon (run, cycle, swim race) and I’m helping her become a better swimmer.

      I gathered the background evidence (watched her swim).
      I proposed a hypothesis (keep head down and breath every 3rd stroke to increase speed).
      I conducted an experiment (made her swim 4 lengths)
      I gathered new data (timed her swim)
      I discussed the results (yes, she was faster)
      and proposed a further expansion (work on leg kicks)

      Being scientific can be applied to many different situations!

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