'Schooling's in the zone'
Former national swimmer and two-time Olympian (1984 and 1988) David Lim gives his analysis of Joseph Schooling's semi-final race to DAVID LEE
START
Fastest off the blocks with a reaction time of 0.61sec, Schooling's in the zone and very focused.
He will need to be quick off the blocks again in the final.
25M MARK
Because of the great start and powerful underwater dolphin kicks, Schooling requires just three strokes to get to 25m mark.
He is under world record pace, which he maintains until about the 40m mark.
HALFWAY MARK
With a national 50m fly record of 23.25sec, Schooling can go faster but shows good pacing to not burn himself out.
He touches wall behind Russian Aleksandr Sadovnikov at 23.81sec because he leaves it a bit long and cannot take another stroke.
At this level, swimmers know exactly how many strokes it takes to get to wall and I believe Schooling will be able to adjust for a better turn.
75M MARK
Schooling's style of coming up high off water is unconventional but not something he can change now.
The textbook-style coaches teach is for swimmers to keep arms close to the water surface when they come up, to not undulate too much and reduce resistance.
But Schooling's style works as his kicks are very good and he is able to use his arms to push the water back and launch himself forward.
FINISH
I have always felt Schooling's timing for breathing is a bit off but he has very efficient strokes and superb dolphin kicks to propel him underwater - and that is more important.
At the split, his last touch is long and he cannot take another stroke, so I believe a faster time is within him. He will need it as it looks like a time under 50.83sec is needed for a gold medal.
One thing is for sure, Schooling has established himself as the man to beat.
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