Case study of coaching for the elite open water swimmer:

For the future of Open Water Swimming

Abstract

    This study aims to examine the strategies used to strengthen the training of elite open water swimmers and their implementation. A detailed case study recorded the strengthening strategies, their content, and the results of their implementation with respect to an athlete who was chosen to represent Japan in open water swimming. This study examined the following three aspects of the strategies used to strengthen open water swimming: (1) Improve lactate threshold, (2) upper body strength and muscle endurance, and (3) speed burst training. Based on the results, the following issues were identified: 1) the individual training methods of open water swimming are insufficient, 2) there is a lack of experts in the training of open water swimmers, 3) the swimming 1,500mFreestyle in 15’30” potential is inadequate for competitive swimming, 4) A lack of experience is observed at international meets, such as in cornering, water supply, and direct contact, 5) the psychology of open water swimming athletes is unclear. It is believed that resolving the issues identified in this case study will result in the effective training of highly competitive athletes in the future.