Swimmers need to be aerodynamic because they are moving through water, which has a much higher density than air. This requires an optimized body position to reduce water resistance, as everything from head position to arm movement affects performance, leading to significant room for improvement in speed and efficiency [1]. The need to streamline their bodies is crucial, as increased surface area exposed to water results in greater resistance, hindering their forward propulsion [2]. In contrast, runners operate in air, where aerodynamic considerations are less critical, and they do not face the same pressures related to air resistance as swimmers do; thus, there is less emphasis on body position and movement optimization in running [1].

Why do swimmers have to be so aerodynamic in the Olympics but not the runners?

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