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Swimming Pools Get Smaller & Smarter 「迷你泳池」成游泳训练新利器

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Training the next Olympic swimmer might not require an Olympic-sized pool anymore. “Endless pools” follow the technological trend of things getting smaller and smarter. Although an endless pool is no bigger than an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), a swimmer in one can kick and paddle as if swimming in a regular-sized pool. Water jets at the head of the pool create a customizable exercise environment, much like a treadmill in the water.

如果想培训出下一位奥运游泳选手，可能再也不需要一个相当于奥运规格尺寸的游泳池了。「无尽泳池」正因应让产品更小且更具智慧的科技趋势。尽管一座无尽泳池比一台运动休旅车还小，在里头的人却能像在一般大小的泳池里一样地踢水与滑水。位在泳池前端的喷水口能创造出一个客制化的运动环境，感觉很像是一台在水里的跑步机。

American James Murdock built the first Endless Pool in 1998 to fulfill a dream he shared with his father. Now his swim-at-home invention is enjoyed by many casual users, but more importantly, it gives competitive swimmers unique benefits. Underwater mirrors allow those in the pool to instantly react and improve their strokes. Coaches can also take advantage of video cameras in the pool to examine someone’s swimming technique.

美国的詹姆士．摩达克在1998年打造了第一座无尽泳池，以完成他与父亲的共同梦想。现在，他的「在家游泳」发明受到广大使用者喜爱，不过更重要的是：它提供了游泳选手独一无二的好处。水底镜子让选手们及时反应和矫正滑水姿势；教练们也能够善用泳池内的摄影机，来检视选手的游泳技术。

Former University of Texas swimming coach Kim Brackin installed an endless pool to teach lessons at home. She lauds the advantages of endless pools. “You put a person in this pool where they can be an active participant in their learning and can make real-time adjustments,” she said.

前德州大学游泳教练金．布莱肯在自家装了一座无尽泳池并在家授课。她赞赏无尽泳池带来的好处，「你让一个人进入这个泳池，他们便能更积极投入学习而且能够及时调整。」她这样说道。

－by Geoffrey Trager

Vocabulary

endless [ˋɛndlɪs] adj. 无尽的; 无休止的

technological [tɛknəˋlɑdʒɪk!] adj. 技术的; 科技的

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

paddle [ˋpæd!] v. 滑水; 打水

customizable ['kʌstəmaɪzəbəl]adj.可定制化的

treadmill [ˋtrɛd͵mɪl] n.（运动使用的）跑步机

competitive [kəmˋpɛtətɪv] adj. 竞赛的

underwater [ˋʌndɚ͵wɔtɚ] adj. 水中的；水面下的

stroke（游泳的）一划; 划水

laud [lɔd] v. 赞美

adjustment [əˋdʒʌstmənt] n. 调整

Endless Pools® Swim Spas

Reading Comprehension

1.   What device is featured in the article?

(A)  A swimming pool that people can bring whenever they go.

(B)  A swimming pool that is so large that it has no end.

(C)  A deep swimming pool that can help train divers.

(D)  A small pool that lets people swim in the same position.

2.   What is TRUE about someone in an endless pool?

(A)  They may be able to see themselves in a mirror.

(B)  They can adjust the size and shape of the pool.

(C)  They need a partner, or else they will never get out.

(D)  They might actually be inside of an SUV.

3.   What is mentioned by the article?

(A)  Endless pools are for serious athletes, and not for casual exercise.

(B)  The speed of water jets can be customized.

(C)  Using an endless pool can make you smaller and smarter.

(D)  Endless pools were invented by a swimming coach in Texas.

Answer