 The difference between SC and LC swimming championships
Added: 04/13/2006 |
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Swimming is one of the most popular sports included into the Summer Olympic Games and other World Championships. Swimming competitions are divided into short course swimming championships and long course swimming championships (they differ in distance length). There are some classical swimming styles: crawl (free style), breaststroke, butterfly stroke and sidestroke.
Swimming has a centuries-old history. In the 19th century it got birth as a sport and became one of the most popular ways of leisure time spending. Today it is represented on SC and LC swimming championships by some techniques and strokes. Short course swimming championships and long course swimming championships became popular sine the 19th century; they joined the Summer Olympic Games that are usually organized by FINA which includes great deal of different swimming Associations and Unions.
Speaking about SC and LC swimming championships it's worthy admitting that the most widespread styles are crawl (free style), breaststroke, butterfly stroke and sidestroke. Indeed almost all free-swimming styles use crawl stroke that is suitable for 25m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and even 1500m distances.
Butterfly style requires very strict swimmer's actions as it is based on the dual symmetry (left and right sides of the body have to be in harmony). It is considered to be the most difficult of the swimming strokes that are used both in SC and LC swimming championships. Butterfly competitions take place at 25m, 50m, 100m and 200m-distances. As a matter of fact butterfly stroke was influenced much by the breaststroke.
This swimming event has a line of special restrictions: the swimmer should push forward his or her arms together but the elbows should be left under the water. In both SC and LC swimming championships it is the slowest swimming event although the oldest and the most preferable by Englishmen (who invented swimming as a sport) during the 18th and 19th centuries. Backstroke is perfect for all swimmers who dislike any restrictions for symmetry but are ready to spend long time on the back. It is a kind of crawl inversion as it represents swinging competitors' arms back. The distance of event is 25m, 50m, 100m and 200m. By the way all these swimming events can be held in yards.
SC and LC swimming championships are represented by swimming with maximum speed, often for the longest distance. In many countries of the world the distances are covered in short course in limits of NCAA and different school competitions. The distinguishing feature of these championships is the distances length. It is represented only by 25 meter-length. There even exist World swimming competitions in this format although they are not as popular as long course ones (including at least 50m-length).
It's worthy mentioning that Olympic Games are held only in the long course format although the World Championships include both SC and LC swimming championships. But at the moment short course result table is not so recognizable in the world.
In conclusion I may affirm the popularity of swimming steadily grows because of its miraculous effects. It is a perfect body exercise explained by almost the same human body and water density. Swimming exercises are usually used during rehabilitations after serious injuries or for disabled people. Breaststroke, sidestroke and so-called "dog paddle" are very effective as recreation exercises and not only enjoyment. So it is clear why both professional and amateur swimming is so popular. They give us double physical and mental satisfaction.
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