Perhosuinti

Perhosuinti, often called butterfly stroke, is one of the four main swimming strokes recognized in competitive swimming. It is characterized by a simultaneous, symmetrical movement of both arms over the water in a forward motion and a dolphin kick. The body undulates in a wave-like motion, with the head and chest rising during the arm pull and the hips and legs rising during the recovery.

The stroke was developed in the 1930s as a modification of the breaststroke, aiming for a more efficient and faster method. It was first recognized as a separate stroke in 1952. Perhosuinti is known for being one of the most physically demanding strokes, requiring significant strength, endurance, and precise timing. The recovery phase, where the arms move forward over the water, is crucial for maintaining momentum and reducing drag.

Competitions typically feature perhosuinti in distances of 50, 100, and 200 meters for both men and women. It is also a component of the individual medley (IM), where swimmers complete a portion of each of the four strokes in a specific order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Mastering perhosuinti requires dedicated practice to coordinate the complex arm and leg movements with the body's undulation.