The Washington times., 1904-07-10
HOLDING BREATH
UNDER THE WATER
Champion Swimmer Gives
Good Advice
DOES NOT INJURE HEALTH
Sullivan Has Increased Lung Capacity,
and Is Immune to Colds-Wnl
Join Professionals.
DOES NOT INJURE HEALTH

Frank J. SunivSa. Of Central Y. M.
c. A, of Chicago. who this year has
broken all previous American records
at underwater swimming, winning the
championship in the contests at MiIwau-
kee. has written an article for one of
the current periodicals describing his
specially and racing strokes used by
swimmers in general
Sullivan is a product of Central Y
NJ c. A training. having learned to
swim in the Central tank under ,Direc-
tors Oscar Knudson and G. A. White.
Suilivan's article appears in the "Ameri-
can Boy, of Detroit, for July and is in
part as follows:
Know How to Breathe.
The chief requisite of the Nnder-
water swimmer besides good lungs is a
knowledge Of how to breathe The
breath is not the quick drawn breath of
the Splinter. nor the regular inhalation
of the distance swimmer. but a long
deep breath. repeated until the farther
most corner of each lung reeks with
oxygen. When the lungs arc thus filled
the swimmer is ready TO go under.
These deep breaths spoken of, il must
be remembered. are not TO be taken on
going in the water, but before you are
ready. the object being rather 20 thor
oughly oxygenate the blood. than to fill
up upon air. The body must be so
fun OF this element as not to require 1t
for some moments. The surplus air IS
In the way, and should be expelled little
by little as the oxygen is used. the nitro
gen and carbOnic acid gas being harmful
when held too long. The beginner should
go through daily breathing exercises
and each day in his practice should try
10 go a little farther.
Use Breast Stroke.
THE stroke to be used by the under
water swimmer is the breast stroke with
the face held down. A great number of
swimmers find no trouble in remaining
under the water. but II those who do
Will give a slight upward turn of the
palm Of the hand and point the head
we'll downward they viii no longer be
troubled. The overland strokes may be
used under water. but they are not ex-
tremely trying; for distance no one will
dispute the superior value OF the first
named stroke"
Despite warnings Of friends that he
would injure his health. Sullivan says
that the result has been exactly op-
posite- He writes that he has not only
increased his lung capacity to 395 cubic
inches, but has rendered himself i'm
mune to colds and lung troubles.
Sullivan viii, in all probability. leave
the ranks Of the amateur swimmers in
the near future and turn professional
A position as assistant to Mr. White
AT Central has been offered him as
wei as one at Evanston. He has how
ever, hopes OF winning the worlds
amateur record for underwater swim
ming before turning pro"
Is Becoming Popular
In addition 20 Sullivan there are a
number OF strong underwater swimmers
IN Chicago. one of the best being
Keogh. of the Chicago Athletic Associa-
ton team. But despite the fact that the
sport has had some good contests here
IL is little likely TO be generally adopted.
Some Of the best-known swimming
authorities in the country are opposed
10 II on account OF its alleged dangers.
IN addition TO Sullivan, Central Y. NJ.
e A has a number OF swimmers who
are likely TO worry the best men in the
country when they meet in the national
Championship games at 81. Louis next
september. The Central team will con-
Slst OF oscar St Cyr, II. J. Handy. and
larry BROOKS ST. Cyr is said to have
broken the forty yards record of q sec
onus heId by futile. doing Il IN or sew
eral TIMES and once in OH 3-5. He has
also eqnaled the record of O:2s 4-5 for
Iorty-four yards held by Cavin Of Svd-
ney. Australia -