What is the significance of the 'mantra' for athletics?

• A. Maximise resistance, minimise propulsion
• B. Minimise resistance, maximise propulsion
• C. Focus on aesthetics of movement
• D. Ignore aerodynamics

Answer: (B)

Movement speed comes from maximizing the forward push while reducing the drag you fight against. The mantra to guide athletics—minimise resistance, maximise propulsion—captures this balance. By reducing resistance, you cut the opposing force from the environment, so less energy is wasted pushing against air or water. This means adopting a streamlined body position, aligning limbs efficiently, and minimizing excess movement that increases drag. By maximizing propulsion, you increase the forward force you generate with each movement through powerful, well-timed actions and an optimal transfer of effort through the body.

Together, less drag and stronger propulsion create a larger net forward force, leading to faster performance. The other ideas don’t promote performance in the same way: focusing on aesthetics doesn’t translate to speed, ignoring aerodynamic or hydrodynamic effects misses a key limiter, and deliberately increasing resistance would slow you down.