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Do Swimmers Practice With Latex Gloves?
With the conclusion of the Phillips 66 International Team Trials, swimmers have been able to take a breather. It is apparent from the closing interview of Katie Ledecky, Dressel, and Finke on the final day of the meet. The meet concluded with the trio sharing a few light moments on camera. During the interview, they joked about swimming sessions and similar instances.
Why does Katie Ledecky find Finke hilarious?
At one point, Ledecky shares an instance involving Finke while tapering before the SEC Championships. “Bobby during taper is hilarious,” says the three-time Olympian. She recalls, “We were swimming with latex gloves for warm-up, and Bobby spent the whole rest of practice filling up the latex gloves.”
As entertaining as the interview is, Ledecky’s statement provides a glimpse into the training regimen of world-class swimmers.
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 28: Katie Ledecky of Team United States reacts after winning the gold medal in the Women’s 1500m Freestyle Final on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
How are latex gloves different from regular gloves?
Most fans of the sport may be aware of swim gloves. However, it may still come as a shock to others. But for those wondering, workout sessions are very different from competitive swimming because swimmers use various types of equipment that aid them to supplement their stamina and strength. It also helps them improve their stroke while training.
During training, hand paddles and fins are the most commonly used equipment after caps and goggles. However, gloves are getting popular these days too. The webbed design of gloves makes them similar to hand paddles.
Hand paddles and gloves are interchangeable; however, paddles are more common partly due to their popularity. In addition, paddles provide better resistance because of the larger surface area. Besides, paddles last longer than their latex/neoprene counterparts.
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During training, gloves, hand paddles, and fins increase the surface area of the hand and feet. It further enhances the propelling capabilities of a swimmer. Furthermore, they strengthen muscles. They also aid in technique improvement by providing better feed on the positioning of their limbs.
Moreover, swim gloves do not have any resemblance to everyday gloves. Their similarities end with their purpose of being worn over the hands. They are more similar to the webbed feet of some birds and semiaquatic mammals. And rightfully so, since the motive of their design lies in propulsion.
Does swimming require latex gloves?
In the interview, Ledecky shared only a brief account of their training. Therefore, using gloves or paddles is not the general rule of thumb when training. Additionally, workout sessions and tapering are two very different aspects of training.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 13: (BROADCAST – OUT) Swimmer, Katie Ledecky of the United States poses for a photo with her five medals on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Workouts are generally more intense and include form drills and swim sets with rest between intervals. However, tapers are more relaxed as it precedes a meeting and does not involve rigorous workout routines. Besides, opinions of swimming coaches may differ too, and what one may find preferable may not be favored by another.
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With Ledecky, Dressel, and Finke qualifying for multiple events at the Team Trials, anticipation for the FINA World Championships is high. Since the US team secured the most medals consecutively at the previous nine meets, expectations regarding this year’s performance are soaring too.
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