Time: 30-minutes
The Potential Impact of Data in Swimming
Are you interested in learning about the potential impact of data in swimming? In this blog post, we'll explore a thought-provoking conversation between Coach and ISCA Webmaster, Mark Rauterkus in Pittsburgh and Steve Friederang from sunny California. They discuss the significance of data in swimming, particularly in terms of creativity, accountability, and the potential hurdles of privacy.
Embracing Creativity in Data Usage
Coach Rauterkus and Steve Friederang emphasize the importance of embracing creativity in leveraging data for swimming. They highlight the need to avoid trying to make everyone the same, and instead, encourage proven methods while allowing room for creativity. They discuss the potential for using data to drive innovation and improvement in the sport.
Proving the Value of Data
The conversation delves into the need to prove the value of data. They stress the importance of proving that data-driven approaches can lead to tangible improvements in swimming performance. This includes the need to demonstrate the impact of data on the rate of improvement, and the potential for data to drive success in the sport.
Overcoming Hurdles and Privacy Concerns
Coach Rauterkus and Steve Friederang acknowledge the potential hurdles of privacy and other concerns related to data usage in swimming. They discuss the importance of addressing these issues and finding ways to ensure that data can be shared responsibly. They also highlight the accountability that organizations like USA Swimming have in ensuring data transparency and privacy.
Looking to the Future
The conversation concludes with a focus on the potential future impact of data in swimming. Coach Rauterkus and Steve Friederang express optimism about the potential for data to drive improvement and innovation in the sport. They emphasize the need to keep pushing for progress and finding ways to overcome challenges related to privacy and data sharing.
In conclusion, the conversation sheds light on the potential impact of data in swimming. From embracing creativity to proving the value of data and addressing privacy concerns, there is great potential for data to revolutionize the sport. It's an insightful look into the future of swimming and the role that data can play in driving performance and success.
For more insights and updates on the latest developments in swimming and sports performance, stay tuned into the Competitive Swimming Magazine and ISCA publications.
Update on this issue is within the January 2026 Competitive Swimmer Magazine.
Pay attention. YES. This is revolutionary. We have not known the improvement rate of USA Swimmers... even our NGB hasn’t known, until now (almost). We haven’t been able to tell the difference between luck and talent and the real fitness and stroke improvement of our swimmers. Now we (almost) can. Now it will be public (not quite). And now it possible for all American coaches to race to the top, helping one another to compete with other countries that are doing the same. And every swimmer can benefit, not just a few we track who are or might be Olympians, but everyone. You’ll see. We hope.