Meanswimming

Meanswimming is a swimming technique that originated in the early 20th century. It involves swimming with the legs only, while keeping the upper body relatively still. This unusual style of swimming gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in the United States.

The technique of meanswimming was first developed by Harold Rounsley, an American swimmer and instructor, in the early 1920s. Rounsley claimed that meanswimming was easier on the body than traditional swimming techniques, as it did not require long strokes or extensive arm movements. He believed that this reduced the risk of injury and allowed swimmers to conserve energy over longer distances.

Meanswimming quickly gained attention and popularity as a new and purportedly more efficient swimming method. It was often performed in synchronized swimming routines, allowing participants to showcase their skills in a visually striking performance. The technique also appeared in swimming competitions, where it was used as an alternative to traditional freestyle and butterfly strokes.

Despite its initial popularity, meanswimming ultimately fell out of favor as a competitive swimming technique. It was seen as more of a novelty or a spectacle, and its proponents were criticized for overstating its potential benefits. Today, meanswimming is recognized as a niche and largely outdated swimming technique, one that is primarily of historical interest. Its practitioner, Harold Rounsley, remains a figure worth studying in the context of swimming history.