Success through science

Swimming World and Junior Swimmer, Jun 1999

SA Swimming is again offering a special program in conjunction with the International Center for Aquatic Research (ICAR) to assist athletes of all abilities in improving their swimming performance.

The program, entitled "Success Through Science," is an effort by USA Swimming to extend the ICAR facilities to a wider population of athletes. The ICAR is currently being utilized mainly by USA Swimming camps and national team members.

With this program, USA Swimming staff hope to attract a wider variety of athletes, ranging from age group to Masters swimmers, and even extending to the triathlete population.

Success Through Science will offer a complete sports science experience, including physiological, biomechanical and psychological testing to all participants. Athletes will spend one- to two-day sessions-depending on which package a swimmer chooses-at the ICAR, which will include the testing, as well as a session with a member of the sports science staff who will interpret the results and make recommendations for improvements in the swimmer's training program.

Three different levels of testing will be offered:

The gold package ($700), which will provide the most comprehensive evaluation, will include the following tests:

Physiological-height/weight/skinfold measurements, venous blood draws, and maximal oxygen consumption;

Biomechanical-propulsion analysis;

Psychological-individual sport psychology session, test of performance strategies, athletic coping skills inventory and competitive state anxiety inventory.

The silver package, or intermediate level assessment ($350), will include:

Physiological-venous blood draws, lactate and heart rate profile;

Biomechanical-stroke filming;

Psychological-individual performance profile and test of performance strategies.

And for an entry level exposure to sport science, the bronze package ($200) will include:

Physiological-Lactate/heart rate profile;

Biomechanical-stroke filming;

Psychological-test of performance strategies

Dates currently scheduled are June 17-18, July 26-27 and Aug. 26-27.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Cindy Hayes, Sport Development Division, by e-mail at chayes@usa-swimming.org or by phone at 719-578-4578.