‘Unbelievable’ footage shows the difference between Olympic and non-professional swimmers
Britt Jones
Featured Image Credit: Sprint with the Stars
A viral video has really put into perspective just how much faster than ordinary people Olympic swimmers are.
If you fancy yourself a pro swimmer, you might not feel as confident in your abilities after watching this clip which was posted to X, formerly Twitter.
While some have said this year's Olympic swimmers are a little slower than usual, you'd better believe they're still a hell of a lot faster than you or I.
The clip is from an event called Sprint with the Stars, which pits regular folk against Olympic stars such as Adam Peaty, David Popovici, James Guy, and Sydney Pickrem.
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They compete in a 50m sprint racing across all strokes.
It sees nine people in each age group competing from the Heats to the Showcase Finals.
However, the middle lane for the final is dedicated to a star guest, who have to catch them up following a ‘handicap age-related head start’.
This rarely stops the pro swimmers catching up.
In the viral, video you can see a line up of seven swimmers and almost all of them hit the water in an effort to take home the first place.
However, one person - an Olympian - stayed behind until everyone in the pool reached the halfway mark before joining in on the race.
They then enter the race and catch up to the rest at an incredible speed, ultimately meeting them at the finish line practically at the same time, if not first.
People in the comments were shocked to see the difference up close and personal.
A commenter simply wrote that it was 'unbelievable'.
One person wrote: “Like racing your little siblings and giving them a head start.”
Another commented: “It's actually crazy how fast they are! Extremely talented and hard workers!”
Someone else wrote: “The Olympic swimmer doesn't need the head start. Skill and stamina are on his side.”
A fourth commented: “I prefer watching Olympic swimmers, they have that extra level of dedication and skill.”
Another said: “This feels almost disrespectful.”
Sprint with the Stars began in 2019 and had to temporarily stop due to the Covid-19 pandemic but came back strong in 2022.
The 2024 games are coming soon, with the event being held on the September 1 2024, at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Birmingham, UK.
With a host of Olympic medallists lined up to take on their competition, it’s going to be a show to remember.
With athletes such as two- time Olympic Champion James Guy, and silver medallist Luke Greenbank, those who compete against them will be in for a ride.