Post-Race Interview: Jordan Crooks Not Fazed by Long Hold on the Start of the 50 Free

2023 NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tennessee’s Jordan Crooks, the second fastest 50 yards free performer of all time, won the 50 free last night with a time of 18.32. He shares how he prepares himself for big meets, through breathing and positive thoughts. “[I] just relax and trust the training, the coaches, and know that you’ve done the work,” he shares. “I’m trying to have fun now.”

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SwammaJammaDingDong
1 year ago

Maybe it’s because he did it on purpose! It’s silly to concluded that he didn’t know exactly what he was doing going into that race. It’s a similar strategy backstrokers use with delaying coming to the “set” position. Athletes will keep doing it until officials start DQing for it at big meets.

Fish on a Bike
1 year ago

From FINA/World Aquatics rule book. Is the NCAA rule different?
SW 4
THE START
SW 4.1 The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall be with
a dive. On the long whistle (SW 2.1.5) from the referee the swimmers shall step onto the starting platform and remain there. On the starter’s command “take your marks”, they shall immediately take up a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platforms. The position of the hands is not relevant. When all swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.

ScovaNotiaSwimmer
1 year ago

I recognize this is generally an eye-rolly move but this is my least favourite word misuse of all time so I have to do it. I’m sorry.

Faze, not phase.

Walter
Reply to  ScovaNotiaSwimmer
1 year ago

Thank you, beat me to it.

Steve Nolan
Reply to  ScovaNotiaSwimmer
1 year ago

idk what a gaming group has to do with this

NoFastTwitch
Reply to  ScovaNotiaSwimmer
1 year ago

Thanks! I had no idea that “fazed” is even a word. A little embarrassed that I have been misusing “phased” all these years.

Curious
1 year ago

He definitely is not the only one with movement on the blocks after the hold. Seeliger leaning slightly as well as lanes 1 and 8 going down slowly

SwimCoach
1 year ago

I feel like I see that continual movement backwards called as a false start all the time at the age group level.

supahfly
1 year ago

I hope his coaches were able to help him understand that he is not allowed to have continual movement backwards after the take your marks position, hence why the delayed start. Have seen many swimmers do this: rock slightly backwards to generate momentum for an explosive start forwards.