Dream Olympics: Michael Phelps Vs. Superfish

August 11, 2008

According to veteran swimmer Mark Spitz, who won a record 7 gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics, only 10 swimmers in the world can swim at around 6 miles per hour. Michael Phelps, who is on his way to breaking Spitz's gold medal streak, is clearly in that group.

Most of the world's top human swimming athletes move at an average of around 5.25 mph in freestyle events. But, for the sake of argument, let's use the 6 mph figure. Check out how Michael Phelps would rate if the Beijing Olympics included superfish swimmers and other marine creatures:

Stickleback
1.75 mph
(Credit: Gerard Gebruiker)

Flounder
2.14 mph

Eel
2.4 mph

Trout
5.4 mph

Michael Phelps
6-7 mph

Pacific salmon
8 mph

Bottlenose dolphin
17 mph

Blue Shark
24.5 mph

Sea lion
25 mph
(Credit: Mila Zinkova)

Barracuda
27 mph

Killer whale
34.5 mph

Swordfish
60 mph

Sailfish
68 mph

Here's more about sailfish from PBS' Nature program "Superfish."

Comments

[Jason Huebel]

Great story. I really like the comparison. I also had no idea that sailfish were so fast. Wow. Score another win for nature and hydrodynamics.

[Jen]

Thanks for stopping by, Jason. Excellent use of "hydrodynamics," and on a Monday yet :) My brain is still trying to kick into gear today.

[Voldemort]

Is this in relation to body size? Or just by speed? It wouldn't be fair for the smaller fishes then. It could be that the killer whale is the slowest if we compare to body size ratio. Maybe I am over thinking it but it's a great post anyway ;-)

[Arjen Iedema]

@Voldemort: seems like this brief comparison is purely based on absolute speed. Thus it's merely an illustration of possibilities and differences in nature.
And to say that Sailfish are pretty darn fast, absolutely or relatively measured alike.

[Jen Viegas]

The size of an individual does affect its swimming rate, since drag per unit volume tends to be lower for larger creatures, I believe, but that's not the whole story. Sailfish are smaller than whales, for example. Muscles, swim technique, the swimmer's skin are other factors. Supposedly the new ultratight seamless Speedo LAZR is helping to break many Olympic records this year. It looks very cool too, but with those fit human bods, it doesn't take much.

[Cameron Lothridge]

Wow I wonder if Speedo sponsors the sailfish with the LZR suit. The other fish are probably complaining about that too.

[Jen Viegas]

Phelps is clearly embarrassed by the media attention on that Speedo suit. Like the sailfish, he could swim nude and still win, I think.

[Joelle]

Hi Jen,
I, too, want to know who is fastest by size and shape...because I'm shocked to discover that Michael Phelps is only faster than a trout!

[Jen Viegas]

Hi Joelle,
If I find any more info on the size and shape issue, I'll let y'all know.
It's important to keep in mind, though, that humans aren't at all built for swimming. The fact that Phelps and the other top swimmers can beat any fish is pretty astounding. I spoke to a few of the USA Olympic Swim Team trainers earlier this year and the athletes do copy dolphin motion techniques. Dolphins are a better match for our natural abilities.
Happy Hump Day,
Jen

[Jolie]

I've seen Phelp's pictures with his girlfriend on whyfame.com
They look pretty together.

[Jen Viegas]

Agreed, Jolie. There's also a pic of his family at:
http://www.usskiteam.com/public/uploads/news/062706_33301_6_2245_news.jpg

[Keith Axlerod]

Too funny ! I love the comparison between Michael Phelps and the fish. If you'd like, you can hear the flounder...or shark...or...uhhh...well hear Mr. Phelps with Ryan Seacrest, who I consider a starfish in the Hollywood pool, on this site:

http://www.kiisfm.com/main.html

ONE !
Axlerod

[Jen Viegas]

Thanks for your note and for sending the link, Axlerod. Great interview captured at Phelps' culminating winning moment. I'll have to look for those "body diagrams!"
You know, when I spoke with MP's trainers, they all told me what flexible ankles he has. They said that about Natalie Coughlin too, but about Phelps especially. Seemed to be the key to his swimming talent, but obviously he's worked other angles too.

[Michael Phelps]

I'd also like to point out that my unusual physique, extended colon, and 12000 calorie-a-day diet allows me to routinely excrete solid waste of such size and length that I have a special high-volume toilet installed at my home.

[kabonfootprint]

hey nice post, good day

kabonfootprint

[Jen Viegas]

Thanks for your note, kabonfootprint, and for checking out Born Animal. You were thoughtful to take the time to write.