It is never easy to talk about the difference in performance levels between men and women. We might, for example, take a look at the difference in the two world records for the 100 metres freestyle in an Olympic pool, which corresponds to approximately 10%, or, alternatively, work out the average for the world’s all-time top ten performances by men and women.
So why are there such clear-cut differences in swimming performance between men and women?
The answer lies in certain key parameters:
Anthropometry
The first difference between men and women when it comes to swimming can be found in anthropometrics. Women are at a disadvantage compared to men due to both their stature – smaller on average – and also the proportions between the different parts of the body. This means women cannot generate as much power as their male counterparts, so their work output is lower.
On the other hand, though, as women grow they develop a lower centre of gravity, which gives them a better sense of balance and stability, both key factors in keeping the body stable in the water.
Weight and body composition
As we all know, on average women weigh less than men but they are penalised by the difference in body composition: women have approximately 25% body fat compared…
