Dr Kevin Thompson, physiologist at the EIS, explains the physical characteristics that make up the ultimate swimmer.

Does height matter?
In freestyle and backstroke, it is thought that being tall allows swimmers to swim at the same speed as a shorter individual, but with less power required.

The 'Thorpedo' has size 17 feet

Because of the standing start, taller swimmers can often cover a greater distance before they've even entered the pool, meaning less work to do once they're in. This is particularly important in sprint events.

They can also cover a greater distance per stroke, and turn and finish with an outstretched hand.

However, height doesn't always lead to extra performance - particularly in breaststroke and butterfly and even in women's freestyle and backstroke events.

Key characteristics
Whatever your stroke, there are certain characteristics that make the body better suited to swimming:

• Wide shoulders

• Slim hips

• Large hands and feet

• Large arm girth

• High arm span to height ratio

Athletics

Basketball

Gymnastics

Rowing

Swimming

Tennis

Built for speed

Michael Phelps has the perfect swimming physique He's 1.95m tall, with large hands and size 14 feet, which act like flippers He has an arm span of 2m His elbows, knees and ankles are double jointed, giving him a greater range of movement

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