In swimming, "a 100" refers to a specific distance: 100 units of length, which are typically either 100 yards or 100 meters.
Understanding Swimming Distances
When swimmers and coaches talk about distances, they often use shorthand numerical terms. These numbers represent the length of the swim in either yards or meters, depending on the pool's standard measurement (short course yards, short course meters, or long course meters).
- The 100 as a Measurement: A "100" is precisely twice the length of a "50." A "50" generally signifies 50 yards or 50 meters, a common distance for short sprints or quick repeats in training. Therefore, a 100 requires covering the pool length twice as many times as a 50.
- Common Pool Lengths:
- Short Course Yards (SCY): Pools are 25 yards long. A 100-yard swim would be four lengths of the pool.
- Short Course Meters (SCM): Pools are 25 meters long. A 100-meter swim would be four lengths of the pool.
- Long Course Meters (LCM): Pools are 50 meters long. A 100-meter swim would be two lengths of the pool.
The Significance of the 100 in Training and Competition
The 100-unit distance holds significant importance in both swimming training and competitive events.
Role in Training
The 100 is widely used as a common pace distance during workouts. Swimmers frequently perform "100s" to:
- Gauge Pace: It's an excellent distance to practice and maintain target race pace. Athletes might swim multiple 100s with short rests to simulate race conditions or build endurance at a specific speed.
- Develop Endurance: While shorter than a 500 (which is 0.33 of a mile and common in endurance workouts), the 100 helps build the aerobic and anaerobic capacity needed for sustained effort.
- Technique Refinement: Coaches often assign 100s to focus on maintaining good stroke technique under increasing fatigue.
- Warm-up/Cool-down: 100s are often incorporated into warm-up and cool-down sets to gradually increase or decrease heart rate and prepare muscles.
Role in Competition
The 100-meter or 100-yard race is a standard event in swimming meets, contested in all four strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, as well as the individual medley (IM).
| Event Distance | Typical Pool Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Yards or Meters | Short, explosive sprint. |
| 100 | Yards or Meters | Mid-distance sprint, crucial for pace control. |
| 200 | Yards or Meters | Extended sprint/endurance race. |
| 500 | Yards or Meters | Long-distance endurance event (equivalent to approx. 0.33 miles). |
| 1650/1500 | Yards or Meters | Marathon swimming race (the "mile"). |
For more detailed swimming terminology and information, you can explore resources such as the USA Swimming Glossary.
