Ultimate Showdown

SwimmerTurnedRower · Post by **SwimmerTurnedRower** » October 14th, 2007, 7:19 pm

Speed skaters (long track) would definitely be really solid. Most of them are tall, and have huge legs and really good endurace.

SwimmerTurnedRower · Post by **SwimmerTurnedRower** » October 14th, 2007, 7:21 pm

John Rupp wrote:
SwimmerTurnedRower wrote:I was tempted to say Michael Phelps, but he has short legs relative to his height and swimming in general doesn't require very strong legs (it is about 70% upper body, the opposite of rowing).
All the things you mention as disadvantages, I feel are great advantages for rowing.

My pick is Michael Phelps, and swimming for the best sport as preparation for rowing.

Out of curiosity, how are short legs an advantage for rowing? Don't long legs give you a longer stroke and more space to accelerate?

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » October 14th, 2007, 9:34 pm

Short legs relative to his height means he has greater trunk, and definitely arm length for his height, and these are what primarily determine the length of one's stroke.

Phelps would have a huge natural stroke length for his height, plus his flexibility, all of which would give him decisive advantages.

Jim Barry · Post by **Jim Barry** » October 14th, 2007, 10:03 pm

I might take the swimmers. Body types are similar and both sports require upper body aerobic fitness. They are both non-weight bearing sports that take select tall-large men with high V02maxes. Given a year to train I think the swimmers might start ahead of most other sportsmen. Large elite sprint cyclists might be my next choice.