One simple question, Clemson: why is (as I recall) the average elite swimmer typically 10-12% bodyfat compared to 5% for runners and about 8% for cyclists?
Watching the last Olympics, swimmers did not look (to these aging eyes) as lean as many other athletes. Perhaps there is a reason for this.
Or is this jus a reading comprehension issue again, you can’t understand the difference between the words ‘fatter’ (relatively speaking, a swimmer will typically be fatter than an elite endurance runner or cyclist) and ‘fat’ (a swimmer is by no means fat).
On which note, you might want to look back at my original comments. NOWHERE did I suggest that athletes should not be lean. I did comment that relying on fairly innacurate bodyfat mesaurement estimations is a mistake, that leaner isn’t automtically better, and my only comments wrt: swimming had to do with the relative fatness of swimmers. I think what you need is less time online and a basic reading comprehension course.
You might also note that, in my original post, which you quoted, I was careful to use words like suspect and might, suggesting possibility (not certainty). I realize that you like to talk in absolutes and perhaps you convince someone (mainly yourself) with such exhortations but I do not. Neither do real scientists.
Have a lovely day,
Lyle
note, quoting from Wilmore and Costills “Physiology of sports and exercise” about body composition in sports. (2nd ed, pg 501)
“Performance in swimming also seems to be an exception to the general rule. In one study, the relationship between body fatness and swimming performance was determined in 28 competitive female swimmers, ages 12 to 17 years. Examining the best times in their best events and in the 100yd (91m) freestyle revealed that swim performance was unrelated to relative bodyfat and only sightly related to fat-free mass. Body fat may provide some buoyancy, which can reduce body drag in the water and reduce the metabolic cost of staying on the surface of the water.”
Incidentally: I didn’t leave because you ‘destroyed’ me with truth and science. You wouldn’t know good sports science if it bit you on the ass, as evidened by your clear lack of even some rather basic knowledge (like the FACT that swimmers are typically fatter, NOT FAT, than many other elite endurance athletes). I left b/c I wasn’t learning anything and having to deal with a pompous dogmatic idiot like yourself, with clear reading comprehension issues was not worth my time.
When you find some of that science and truth you claim to have, let me know. And I predict that, as usual, you will now ask me what elite ahletes I have trained. this is your only response when you’re losing an argument. Another reason you are not worth my time.
) Anyways just my food for thought like anyone cares 
I should be a detective!!! I need a life! :rolleyes:
