Russell Mark, a renowned swimming analyst, is bringing an additional value to the World Aquatics Championships by offering invaluable support to swimmers from developing countries. His underwater video filming and analysis program are providing a unique opportunity for these athletes to enhance their skills and performance.
Participating in the World Aquatics Championships is not only about the competition itself but also about the numerous learning opportunities, from the races to conversations on the pool deck. For swimmers from developing countries, there are opportunities beyond that.
Russell Mark, who has been a fixture in the aquatics community for nearly two decades, is leveraging his expertise to assist national team swimmers in optimizing their performance. However, his focus has recently shifted towards nurturing talent at the development level, both in the United States and globally while working with the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). In Doha, he is working with the World Aquatics Development Programme.
“I love it. I'm really grateful to have this opportunity,” Mark said while chatting from the outdoor warm-up pool set up next to the Aspire Dome on a shiny Thursday morning. “I think this is just an amazing way to get to know swimmers and help them get better. Swimming is a global sport, and this is a World Championships not just for the teams that are winning medals but for the world.”
Mark emphasized the importance of bringing resources to parts of the world that may lack the support enjoyed by developed nations in the sport of swimming.
During the 150-minute underwater filming sessions offered each day, eligible National Federations have a 15-minute slot to film personalised underwater videos and consultation from Mark.
Jonathan Chung Yee, a breaststroker from Mauritius, praised the filming session he received, noting the valuable insights and tips provided by Mark. “The video analysis was pretty good and I’m happy about it. I got good tips and a good overview of my swim. I would totally do it again if I have another chance.”
Even before receiving the full video analysis and feedback, Chung Yee found immense value in the experience and the insights he received.
“I like it already a lot. He recalled some of the techniques and deficiencies I had and some other stuff I didn't know as well. So I would try to apply it to my training plan and try to make the best out of it.”
Chung Yee plans to share this knowledge with his coach and teammates in Hamburg, Germany, where he is currently based.
The initiative has garnered significant interest, with 33 swimmers from 22 different countries already benefiting from Mark's programme as of Thursday morning. As the sport of swimming continues to globalize, the depth of talent is steadily increasing.
Mark emphasized the importance of not only identifying areas for improvement but also highlighting the strengths of each swimmer. He believes that many of these athletes possess the technical foundation necessary for elite swimming and emphasizes consistent communication of key concepts.
Abbie Pultie, Head Coach of Saint Lucia, lauded the opportunity for athletes from developing nations to access such resources, acknowledging the positive impact on both swimmers and coaches.
“It's always really nice for us to get those kinds of opportunities because we don't have so much access to things like this back home,” Pultie shared. “I think it also makes me a better coach when I get to see the feedback from somebody like Russell. I think it will improve my coaching, and I'm able to share the feedback and the knowledge with other swimmers back home and other coaches as well.”
Pultie said she sees Mark's feedback not only as a means to improve individual performance but also as a tool to enhance coaching strategies and share knowledge within their respective communities.
Mark sees the future of swimming as even more exciting, believing that with continued support and resources, athletes from developing countries can compete at the highest levels. “There are around 200 nations competing here, and maybe 10 percent of the countries are winning medals. And I think the idea is to raise the floor performance here and obviously raise the ceiling as well. I think the goal is to improve swimming at all levels.”
The World Aquatics development program aims to provide athletes and nations with the opportunity to elevate the level of aquatics sports. It seeks to offer participants more than just the chance to compete; it strives to enable them to perform at their best during championships, thereby providing the best possible experience.