"An international . . . approach to the history of swimming to offer perspective on where it is now, so you can be better equipped to progress it forward." —Jon Maccoll, head swimming coach at Rutgers University Dive deep into the world of swimming with open water swimmer and coach Mikael Rosén as he explores the sport through eight different global perspectives. With topics ranging from the vigorous mental and physical demands of the sport to gender and race politics, no reader will be left treading water. Rosén also provides a look into the lives of professional swimmers such as Michael Phelps and Sarah Sjöström, sharing insights into what makes these greats super swimmers. Packed with interesting history, science, and trivia, as well as useful charts, maps, sidebars, tips, and strategies—plus plenty of photos sprinkled throughout—this compendium is a must-have for any athlete or swimming fanatic.