2025 U.S. OPEN
- December 3-6, 2025
- Austin, Texas
- Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
- Prelims: 10 a.m. EST
- Finals: 7 p.m EST (Day 1: 5 p.m. EST)
- LCM (50 meters)
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheets
- Live Results
Ilia Sibirtsev had a seemingly successful weekend at the US Open, winning the 1500 and placing 2nd in the 800, notably topping Olympic champion Bobby Finke in both. A former Louisville Cardinal, Sibirtsev has been toying with his technique in the distance races recently. He described himself as a leg-driven swimmer, and he’s been trying to make his catch more efficient while still maintaining tempo and using his legs less in the first half of his races.
I wouldn’t say backing off the legs on the front of a distance event and focusing on arms and tempo is “new”. Ever watch Ledecky? But happy he’s finding something that works for him.
It’s been a strategy for over 50 years
It might be new for him… maybe he was overdoing in the past and tried a different technique this time around.
Does anyone know Finke’s workout load, the 10 days before this meet?
I doubt he backed off much at all.
I had a similar issue being a more leg driven swimmer in the past and understand what he’s talking about now . Sometimes you have to drop the legs a bit to elevate the torso and head position to increase shoulder height and turnover and set up a stronger catch, even though the legs feel like they are floundering a bit. I am slow, but it does help a lot watching videos of these elite swimmers. Ledecky and McIntosh especially.
I think a lot has to do with your body type. Finke tends to kick a lot throughout the race.