Body of Work

by Elaine Howley

The crack of a gun shatters the warm air, an explosion of sound ricocheting off the walls as though contained inside a tank. Shouts, squeals and the charge of a high-speed chase grip the audience and the race is under way.

Is it the start of a record-setting medley relay event at a Masters Nationals meet? Perhaps. Or is it the beginning of a dangerous car chase sequence in a major motion picture such as “Fast and Furious” or “Mission Impossible”? Also quite possible.

Stroke Awareness
Correcting Common Freestyle Mistakes Takes a Good Observer
by Whitney Hedgepeth >>> Photos by Kirk Tuck

Many swimmers devote years to improving their strokes, trying all the revolutionary new training regimens that come along, hoping to add that little bit of edge that puts them over the top. Most end up with more frustration than success.

Swimming for a Cause
Open Water Events that Make a Difference
by Susan Dawson-Cook

There is a particular type of open water race that appears to be growing in number and popularity throughout the swim world. This type of race provides open water competition in a unique setting, while providing participants with the opportunity to connect with a cause that is important to them.

From the Editor

Letters

Butterfrog: The Stroke that Never Dies by Mike Sherrill, Bart Selby read>>

The Wetsuit Debate ... Again by Robert Webber

Swimsuit Issues in History by Suzanne Rague, Bob Macionis, Jeffrey Hulett

Title IX by Kevin Weissman

Diversity by Norman Macartney

Both Sides of the Lane Line

Ban Team Shopping by Maryann Stevens

Explore Other Teams by Karin Wegner

Swimming Life

School Project Becomes an International Incident by Laura Jones

A Pool Grows in the Bronx by Laura Jones

Recently Read: Fish by Laura Hamel

Jeff Farrell in ESPN The Magazine by Laura Hamel

Training & Technique

Out in the Open: Hot and Cold by Laura Jones

The Dryland Difference: Running by Laura Jones

From the Center Lanes: Swim Faster, Faster by Laura Jones

On Deck With ... Cokie Lepinski by Laura Hamel read>>

My Favorite Practice: Patrick Brundage

The Healthy Swimmer

Aerobic Swimming and Colds by Bill Edwards

Humidity May Be Good For Swimmers by Bill Edwards

Seriously Sniffling Swimmers ... Antibiotics or Neti Pot? by Bill Edwards

Nationals Preview

Swimming Among the Deserts and Tablelands by Bill Edwards read>>

Swim Bag

Caps by Laura Hamel read>>

Inside USMS

Volunteer Profile: Jeanne Seidler by Laura Jones >>> Illustrated by Edward Colley

2011 Ransom J. Arthur Award--Call for Nominations

Splashback

Swim Caps: From Fashionable to Functional by Bill Edwards