Open water swimming performance trends (based on FINA results)

loneswimmer

From Swimming Science.
Brief: Overall speed decreases for both men & women, some changes in male peak performance age for 25k but still mid-20's for male & female. Increased anaerobic demands and women have a higher lactic threshold.

suziedods

So, we're getting older and slower....and women handle pain better... or at least complain outwardly about it less?

evmo

I'm guessing changes in strategy account for the speed decreases, not slower swimmers... but it is difficult to quantify strategy.