Energy contributions of competitive freestyle events. One of the differentiating factors between talented and less talented swimmers is the size of the energy systems. The faster the swimmer, the greater the anaerobic capacity. The better distance swimmers have greater aerobic capacities.
More talented swimmers use a greater percent of their energy from the aerobic energy system.
The total work for 45 seconds can indicate the anaerobic capacity of an athlete. The lower the fall-off from start to finish, the greater the endurance capacity. Return to Table of Contents for this issue .