Search

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explores the story of Lilian Harrison, a female swimmer from Argentina in the 1920s. Lilian's achievements in long-distance swimming, including being the first person to swim across the Rio de la Plata, are discussed. The article also addresses the gendered assumptions and discrimination Lilian faced in her pursuit of swimming. It emphasizes the importance of studying sports in history to gain insights into the lives and struggles of ordinary people, particularly women who have been historically overlooked in sports narratives. [Extracted from the article]

Aim. This study aimed to determine the difference in the parameters of the level and degree of motor swimming skills formation among winner swimmers based on monitoring the results of the final swims at the XIX World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, held on June 18-30, 2022. Methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources and practice experience, monitoring ascertaining experiment, generalization of documentary materials and mathematical statistics. The best final achievements of athletes among 114 men and 115 women at all 49 distances of sports and marathon swimming were established according to the program of these prestigious competitions. Results. For the first time, the dynamics of formation of motor swimming skills according to the possibilities of overcoming distances by different methods of swimming depending on the gender difference of participants by almost similar age (men, x±m=23.85±1.65; women, x±m = 22.64±2.23; t =0.039, p>0.05) and a significant difference between the achievements of men and women (men, x±m=1.84±0.18; women, x±m = 1.67±0.16; t = 9.097, p<0.05) at the final starts of the XIX World Swimming Championships in 2022. Thus, the biggest difference was recorded in freestyle swimming for short and medium distances - 0.22 m/s, butterfly swimming - 0.20 m/s, backstroke swimming - 0.20 m/s and relay swimming - 0.20 m/s, breaststroke - 0.19 m/s, then in medley - 0.17 m/s, and the smallest difference was recorded at stayer freestyle distances - 0.12 m/s, in marathon - 0.12 m/s and joint relay races - 0.11 m/s. Thus, the overall difference between the average swimming speed in men and women at all swimming distances is above - 0.17 m/s (men, x±m=1,84±0,18; women, x±m = 1,67±0,16; t=9,097, p<0,05). Conclusions. The dynamics of the formation of motor swimming skills according to the possibilities of overcoming different swimming distances depending on the gender difference of the participants of the final races at a similar age at the XIX World Swimming Championships 2022 has been carefully studied. The biggest difference in average swimming speed was recorded: 50 m - 0.235 m/s, 100 m - 0.205 m/s and relay swimming - 0.203 m/s, 200 m - 0.172 m/s, 400 m and stayer swimming distances - 800-1500 m - 0.135 m/s, and the slightest difference was observed in marathon swimming - 0.12 m/s and compatible relay races - 0.11 m/s. The overall difference in indicators is more than 0.17 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), cortical thickness and surface BMD (sBMD, density-to-thickness ratio) were analyzed in the proximal femur of elite female football players and artistic swimmers using three-dimensional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (3D-DXA) software and compared to sedentary controls. Football players had significantly higher (p<0.05) vBMD (mg/cm3) in the trabecular (263±44) and cortical femur (886±69) than artistic swimmers (224±43 and 844±89) and sedentary controls (215±51 and 841±85). Football players had also higher (p<0.05) cortical thickness (2.12±0.19 mm) and sBMD (188±22 mg/cm2) compared to artistic swimmers (1.85±0.15 and 156±21) and sedentary controls (1.87±0.16 and 158±23). Artistic swimmers did not show significant differences in any parameter analyzed for 3D-DXA when compared to sedentary controls. The 3D-DXA modeling revealed statistical differences in cortical thickness and vBMD between female athletes engaged in weight-bearing (football) and non-weight bearing (swimming) sports and did not show differences between the non-weight bearing sport and the sedentary controls. 3D-DXA modeling could provide insight into bone remodeling in the sports field, allowing evaluation of femoral trabecular and cortical strength from standard DXA scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the butterfly stroke has received considerable attention in sports science, the origin of the fastest master butterfly swimmers remains unknown. The present study investigated which geographical locations produce the top-performing master butterfly swimmers within their age groups and gender. A total of 26,512 master butterfly swimmers (11,288 women and 15,224 men) competed in 50 m, 100 m and 200 m races in World Masters Championships held between 1986 and 2019. From each swimmer, the year of competition, first name, last name, age group and distance were recorded. Descriptive data were presented using mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values, and/or confidence intervals. The top 10 race times for master butterfly swimming and gender were identified for descriptive purposes. Nationalities were then grouped into six categories: the top five nationalities with the most appearances in the top 10 fastest times in butterfly swimming by distance each year and one group consisting of all other nationalities. In the event of a tie, the nationality with the most participants overall was selected. Generalized linear models (GLMs) with a gamma probability distribution and log link function were used to assess the effect of age groups and gender on swimming time. In summary, Germany had the fastest women butterfly master swimmers across all distances, while the USA had the fastest men butterfly master swimmers for all distances. Men covered all distances faster than women and younger swimmers were quicker than older swimmers. The results of this study can be utilized to determine the countries that produce the most successful master butterfly swimmers, providing a foundation for further research to explore the factors that lead to their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoulder injuries are common in competitive youth swimmers because of sport-specific changes in upper extremity physical characteristics and acromio-humeral distance (AHD). These physical alterations could cause abnormal scapular kinematics and positioning. Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS), scapular dyskinesis, and SLAP lesions require a multiphase approach. A 14- years-old female athlete who has been swimming for 7 years had SPS symptoms for 14 months. She also had scapular dyskinesis and suspected SLAP lesion. She received 15 treatment sessions. We conducted a progressive and comprehensive rehabilitation program consisting of electrotherapy, thermal agent, mobilization techniques, posterior shoulder stretching exercises, upper and lower extremity strengthening, proprioception, scapular stabilization, and core stabilization exercises, rhythmic stabilization exercises, plyometric exercises, and the advanced thrower's 10 program. Internal rotation range of motion (IRROM) with bubble inclinometer, pain with Visual Analog Scale, and AHD with ultrasonographic imaging were assessed before treatment and at the end of the 9th and 15th treatment sessions. Before treatment, IRROM was 52°, AHD was 10.67 mm, and pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 0 and 3.1 cm, respectively. After 9 treatment sessions, IRROM was 55.6°, AHD was 11.62 mm, pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 3.7 cm and 5.1 cm, respectively. At the end of the treatment, IRROM was 58.33°, AHD was 12.02 mm, pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 0 cm. A progressive and challenging rehabilitation program may positively change the scapular and glenohumeral kinematic patterns leading to an increase in AHD and IRROM, therefore a decrease in pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a speech by open water swimmer Nuala Moore, delivered at the Ireland Medal Ceremony. Topics included her learning experience in the Round Ireland Swim, the life changing event that happened to her following her involvement in the Ice Swimming, and her 2014-2015 swimming experiences that boosted her understanding on how to battle the freezing temperatures. Information on her journey as an extreme swimmer across the southern tip of Cape Horn is also given.

Relevance of the study. As a rule, the International Federation of European Swimming's schedule - LEN, includes the European Watersports Championships. It has already been presented at the First European Swimming Championships since 1926. To date, 34 European Championships have been held, so it is very important to evaluate the achievements of the teams participating in the European continent to determine the real swimming development rate. Material. Average readings in the achievements of swimmers-winners have been summarized at 34 European water sports championships, respectively, at stages 1-2-3 among 127-525-906 men and 90-495-881 women at all distances in sports and marathon swimming programs over a long period of time from 1926 till 2018. The goal of research was to evaluate the team performance rating of among the participants of different gender from the European countries at different distances of sporting and marathoner swimming according to the prize medals they received during European Swimming Championship at stages I-II-III when they were conducted from 1926 till 2018. Results. The paper revealed an objective rating for the performance of the strongest swimmers teams based on the results of receiving both the number and quality of prize medals among men and women, at the I-XXXIV European Swimming Championships from 1926 to 2018 on stages I-II-III of their origin, development and further performance. At the first stage of the European Swimming (Aquatics) Championships, held from 1926 to 1950, the top ten most successful countries in terms of the level of the objective rating revealed, included: Germany-45 medals, the Netherlands-40, Hungary-26, the United Kingdom-24, Sweden-20, France-18, Denmark-17, Italy-9, Belgium-5, Yugoslavia - 5 medals. In the second stage of the European Aquatics Championships, which took place from 1954 to 1991, the top ten most successful countries in terms of the level of the objective rating, included: GDR-287 medals, USSR-167, FRG-Germany-123+1* (marathon), the Netherlands-77+1*, Hungary-68+2*, the United Kingdom-66, Italy-45+4*, Sweden-45, France-30, Romania-17 medals. In the third stage of the European Aquatics Championships, held from 1993 to 2018, the top ten most successful countries for the results of the identified objective rating, included the following countries of the continent: Germany-177+42* (marathon) medals, Italy-158+37*, Russia-160+29*, France-132+16*, Hungary-138+9*, the United Kingdom-145+2*, Sweden-106, the Netherlands-84+21*, Ukraine-82+1*, Spain-61+7* medals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of long-term combined strength training (ST) and plyometrics on strength, power and swimming performances in elite junior swimmers during a competitive season. Ten elite junior swimmers (5 women and 5 men) completed the study (age: 16.6 ± 0.7 years; mass: 62.2 ± 5.4 kg; stature: 1.70 ± 0.07 m). The participants trained twice a week during 20 weeks. The ST program consisted of upper- and lower limbs exercises with low loads and low volume, lifting the load at maximal intended velocity. The effect of the training protocol was assessed using the 1RM in the full squat (SQ) and bench press (BP), jump height (CMJ), the maximal number of repetitions completed in the pull-up (PU) exercise and time during 50-m freestyle. Training program resulted in significant improvements in CMJ (12.1%, ES: 0.57), maximal dynamic strength in the SQ (16.4%, ES: 0.46) and BP (12.1%, ES: 0.34) exercises, the maximum number of repetitions completed during the PU test (90.7%, ES: 0.57) and swimming performance (-3.9%, ES: 0.45). There were no significant differences between both genders. The relative changes in swimming performance showed significant relationship with the relative changes in 1RM of SQ for pooled data (r=-0.66, p<0.05) and the relative changes in the PU exercise in female swimmers (r=-0.99, p<0.05). Therefore, coaches and strength and conditioning professionals should consider including in-season dry-land ST programs within the training routine in order to obtain further improvements in swimming performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we tested Petrie and Greenleaf's (2007) model of bulimic symptoms in two independent samples of female collegiate swimmers/divers and gymnasts. Structural equation modeling revealed support for the model, although it also suggested additional pathways. Specifically, general societal pressures regarding weight and body were related to the internalization of those ideals and, subsequently, to increases in body dissatisfaction. Pressures from the sport environment regarding weight and appearance were associated with more body dissatisfaction and more restrictive eating. Body dissatisfaction was related to more feelings of sadness, anger, and fear among the athletes. Negative affect, body dissatisfaction, and dietary restraint were related directly to bulimic symptoms, accounting for 55-58% of its variance. These results suggest that general sociocultural pressures are influential, but weight and appearance pressures in the sport environment may be even more pervasive and negative for female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare energy expenditure (EE), heart rate, and perceived effort during walking in water at several depths versus land in female participants. Eighteen females walked on three separate days on a land treadmill (Land) and in a water treadmill (ATM) at 30 °C at 6 speeds. Water depth was at the xiphoid (xip), 10 cm below (-10 cm), and 10 cm above xip (+10 cm). Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were recorded. RPE overall (RPE-O) and RPE legs (RPE-L) were solicited following each bout. Regardless of walking speed, EE and HR were influenced by water depth, with -10 cm significantly greater than xip, +10 cm and Land, and xip significantly greater than +10 cm and Land (all p < .001). Land EE and HR were similar to +10 cm. RPE-O was significantly higher for -10 cm vs. xip, +10 cm, and Land, while xip was greater than Land. RPE-L was greater for -10 cm vs. xip, +10 cm and Land, while xip was greater than +10 cm & Land. Our results concluded that small changes in water depth influences exercise EE, HR, and RPE. These differences are attributed to a changing relationship between drag resistances and buoyancy in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed female master swimmers' perceptions of the influence of menopause on their swimming. Using a cross-sectional design, 183 women completed an internet-based survey. Measures related to menopause status, physical activity levels, perceived effect of menopause on swimming, and attitudes to swimming and menopause. Perimenopausal women reported the least physical activity and the greatest reduction in intensity of swimming training due to menopause, relative to other menopause groups. A quarter of women reported that the intensity of their swimming had reduced due to menopause. In addition, a quarter reported that menopausal symptoms, particularly weight gain and sleeplessness, negatively affected their swimming. A third said that their confidence for competing at swimming had reduced due to menopause and that their swimming improved once menopause stopped. These findings suggest that menopause may have some detrimental effects on female master swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This rejoinder to Irwin et al. is written to address several concerns regarding "Myth #4: Personal Appearance Limitations" in their recent article. Constraints to leisure are complex and become more complicated when race, culture, family socialization, and hair are combined. Despite the data-driven evidence which they argue refutes "Myth 4" there are several practical concerns that are raised toward better understanding the responses of African American females in the study. We posit that a heightened understanding of the interaction between culture, race, and gender in the case of African American females is vital to the interpretation of the data associated with "Myth 4." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the use of lactate testing to monitor training progress in swimming at a small liberal arts college, using an inexpensive handheld lactate analyzer. The tests were carried out by undergraduates as part of their investigative learning curriculum in exercise science. Twelve female athletes participated in a 2-year program of periodic testing using a 5 × 200 swim of increasing intensity. Blood lactate values were measured from a sample obtained 2-4 min after each swim, plotted against swim time, and the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) was identified. MLSS improved significantly throughout the training period (higher by 0.56 mmol/L and lower by 5.92 s, p < .05), accompanied by significant improvements in swim performance in middle distances. We conclude that the use of a handheld lactate analyzer is an effective method to monitor training progress in swimming. The low cost of the procedure and the participation of undergraduate students were novel applications of established protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the effect of training on body composition, dietary intake, and iron status of eumenorrheic female collegiate swimmers (n = 18) and divers (n = 6) preseason and after 16 wk of training. Athletes trained on dryland (resistance, strength, flexibility) 3 d/wk, 1.5 h/d and in-water 6 d/wk, nine, 2-h sessions per week (6400 to 10,000 kJ/d). Body-mass index (kg/m²; P = 0.05), waist and hip circumferences (P ≤ 0.0001), whole body fat mass (P = 0.0002), and percentage body fat (P ≤ 0.0001) decreased, whereas lean mass increased (P = 0.028). Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, we found no change in regional lean mass, but fat decreased at the waist (P = 0.0002), hip (P = 0.0002), and thigh (P = 0.002). Energy intake (10,061 ± 3617 kJ/d) did not change, but dietary quality improved with training, as reflected by increased intakes of fiber (P = 0.036), iron (P = 0.015), vitamin C (P = 0.029), vitamin B-6 (P = 0.032), and fruit (P = 0.003). Iron status improved as reflected by slight increases in hemoglobin (P = 0.046) and hematocrit (P = 0.014) and decreases in serum transferrin receptor (P < 0.0001). Studies are needed to further evaluate body composition and iron status in relation to dietary intake in female swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that research outside of sport and exercise has found that stigma may cause severe consequences (e.g. depression), it is important to explore the concept in regard to its connection to socio-cultural issues in the development and persistence of stigmatisation in sporting contexts. Analytic autoethnography and Goffman's theory of stigma was used to explore one female swimmer's experiences of 'enacted' and 'felt' competitive performance stigma occurring in elite swimming and a masters swimming context. Competitive performance stigma has not been conceptualised or explored as a stigma type in sport research, however through the presentation and analysis of two vignettes and the use of Goffman, this is achieved. The social agents that contributed to both 'enacted' and 'felt' competitive performance stigma and the consequences/effects (e.g. withdrawal from sport, feelings of shame) for this swimmer are highlighted. Our analysis further highlights the role of particular cultural insiders (e.g. coaches, team managers and other swimmers) in the reproduction of competitive performance stigma through acts of labelling, discrimination and social isolation. These acts positioned the female swimmer as an 'outsider' because of her competitive performance which in turn led to her withdrawal from these two sporting contexts highlighting the implications for recipients of stigmatisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performances of 335 male and female swimmers competing in 50-, 100-, and 200-m freestyle events at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games were videotaped and analyzed to determine stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR), starting time (ST), turning times (TI = turn in, TO = turn out), finishing (end) time (ET), and average velocity (AV); relationships were then determined among these variables in addition to height, weight, age, and final time (FT). Differences were subsequently assessed within and among the events, and comparisons were made between male and female performances. ST, TI, TO, ET, and SL were identified as principal components of successful swimming performance at each distance. Results revealed statistically significant correlations between factors for all events. The men were older and taller; possessed longer stroke lengths; and started, turned, and swam faster than the women. As the race distance increased from 50 to 2(K) m, ST, TI,TO, SL, and ET increased for both men and women, while age, SR, and AV decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vivo exposure and response prevention procedure consisting of seven treatment and generalization sessions was used to aid a 50-year-old woman with a lifelong fear and avoidance of swimming in the ocean. Subsequent to treatment, the subject, already a competent pool swimmer and an accomplished athlete, swam in the ocean, reduced her swim time by over 50%, and placed second in her age group while competing in a major triathlon. A 1-year follow-up indicated that she was still swimming in the ocean and participating in triathlons. The athlete/sport psychologist relationship is discussed in reference to the athlete's compliance with treatment recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to determine the winner-swimmers skill development level by the result of final rounds at the World Aquatics Championship in Budapest-2017. Material: the winner-swimmers' result analysis at World Aquatics Championship on 23 - 30 Jul 2017 in Budapest, among 76 men and 74 women who received gold, silver and bronze medals from the strongest 23countries. Results: the article reveals some similarities and differences in the swimming skill level assessment among men and women swimmers of different age, winners of the XVII world Aquatics Championship in Budapest-2017. The general difference of the highest and lowest swimmers' results according to the received awards is 956 (men points) and 960 (women points), the difference is 6 points. Conclusions: it is necessary to count the total award number (gold, silver and bronze) (men - 974 - 953 - 942 = 956 the difference is 21 and 11 points, women - 981 - 957 - 943 = 960, the difference is 24 and 14 points) to make a top list more correctly, as the separate estimation (firstly only gold, then only silver and bronze) doesn't show real swimmers' achievements through medals. The standard top list is based on separate estimation, in such a way the participant country getting only one gold award takes higher position than the countries with greater award number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of educational and motivational self -talk on thinking control over the intruder's thoughts of teenage girls' swimmers. The method of this study was semi-experimental and applied in nature which information was gathered in field form. The statistical population of this study was all girls in swimmers in Tehran in the age group of adolescents (range from 12 to 18 years old) and 36 female teenage swimmers who have the ability to swim over 50 meters (in chest material) were selected as an available and targeted sample in Tehran and also they were randomly divided into three groups: self-spoken instructional (n = 12), selfspoken motivation group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). Personal information form, company satisfaction, and Wels and Davis thought control strategies questionnaire (TCQ) were used as a tool. Experimental groups trained in a session under the supervision of their researcher and trainer. The group spoke motivationally after repeating the phrase "I can," and the group spoke with a repetition of the words "ankles" and "stretched hands" about 50 meters of the chest. Data were analyzed by covariance analysis. Results showed that there was no s ignificant difference between thought control and intrusive thoughts of adolescent swimmer girls (p = 0.69), that is, self-spoken learning and self-spoken motivation did not have a significant effect on thought control versus disturbing thoughts, and there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two interventions. It is suggested that more studies be done on larger and larger samples and that intervention should be used over a longer period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long Victorian period has often been interpreted through the lens of 'separate spheres', a notion that compartmentalizes markers such as gender and class into discrete areas. However, the margins surrounding class and gender were full of fissures and scholars have argued for more nuanced research involving specific case studies at a micro-level to uncover the breadth and boundaries of female experience. Adopting this micro-approach by using archives and biographical methods to investigate the communities of women involved in swimming-related careers during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries yields new insights into the complexities of 'separate spheres' ideologies. Serious swimming became acceptable for women of all social classes after facilities expanded following the Baths and Washhouses Acts of 1846 and 1878, and a moral imperative, which required women to be attended to only by women, meant that gender-specific career routes gradually emerged. The class origins and familial connections of female natationists, swimming teachers, and baths employees are explored, to place them within the contemporary social context and to draw some tentative conclusions about the influence of patriarchy on female occupational choices. Reflections on the potential for combining different biographical methods to produce a 'blended approach' are then offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute pulmonary disorders are commonplace within the athletic population, with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) common diagnoses. VCD is a condition that causes the vocal folds to close during inhalation, causing obstruction at the larynx and thereby a severely-impaired sporting performance. VCD can be brought on by laryngeal irritants, emotional and psychological stress, and asthma. The present case study details the interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of an elite female swimmer with VCD with an intervention program that lasted 9 weeks, instigated by a local general practitioner who chose to engage a sport psychology practitioner due to the sport-specific nature of the psychological stress she experienced. The steps involved in the design of the sport psychology interventions are outlined and the relationship of those interventions to the work of the other specialists is discussed. The 9-week intervention program was aimed at reducing the swimmer's levels of precompetitive state anxiety and perfectionist tendencies using a combination of goal-setting, imagery, and cognitive restructuring. During the course of 9 weeks, the athlete's levels of competitive state anxiety and perfectionist tendencies reduced, along with the frequency of VCD occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate premenstrual syndrome influences on balance performance in early adolescent swimmer girls. Methods. A total of 13 subject were examined. The mean (SD) age was 13.31±0.751 years, height was 165.54±4.235 cm, and weight was 52.69±4.111 kg for the 13 female children. In this study, The Flamingo balance test was used for female children. The tests were applied monthly normal and premenstrual period, and the aim of the test was explained to the children before the test was conducted. The test was started with a 10-minute warm-up session. While the test was conducted, the same weather conditions were taken into consideration. Results. There were differences in balance performance of children between menstrual and premenstrual period each month (P<0.05). Conclusions. the balance scores in the premenstrual period are lower than those in the menstrual period. It is considered that the balance is deteriorated during menstruation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the "Aquacade" synchronized swimming spectacles produced for several U.S. expositions from 1937 to 1940 by theatrical showman Billy Rose. It comments on the use of women swimmers, as well as the combination of sports and theater, to present a sense of femininity and collective action,

This paper explores three female swimmers’ relationships with their male coaches and the body practices they were exposed to within Australian swimming. Particular attention is given to how the relationships and practices might relate to gender. Additionally, the article examines how (if at all) the conduct contributed to the social construction of an accepted female swimmer body. Through narrative accounts, the three adolescent female athletes articulate hierarchical male coach–female athlete relationships and specific body encounters they were exposed to and/or engaged with. Their experiences reveal how a sexually maturing body (growing breasts, female body shape and menstruating) was deemed unsuitable for performance and the swimmers were thus encouraged to transform their bodies and behaviours towards that of the boys. Using a feminist Foucauldian perspective, these accounts points to how the three swimmers came to regulate their diet, training and appearance in order to fulfil expectations. This self-regulation is problematic in two ways: first, no scientific evidence shows that a boy like physique is essential for best performance. Second, the stress from being pressured to achieve a particular body, as well as the shame that resulted from being unable to achieve the idealised physique, eventually caused the swimmers to develop an unhealthy relationship with their developing bodies. We highlight how those immersed in sporting contexts should recognise the serious implications of gender practices and power relations underpinning the male coach–female athlete dynamic in competitive sport. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]