How often do serious swimmers not put their heads in the water?
Chicago is looking pretty good in comparison right now huh? Idiots at the IOC.
Depends on the stroke...
http://www.swimmingwithoutstress.co.uk/swimming-blog/are-you-a-head-up-breaststrokersweimming stokes - putting head in water
(from link:)
Head up breaststroke puts a lot of strain on the neck and back and makes relaxed breathing impossible. It may do more harm than good. In the UK, a lot of women swim like this.
If you swim for exercise but don’t get your hair wet, here are 6 reasons why it’s not a good idea:
1. You can’t breathe well because your neck is constricted.
2. You’re risking neck and back problems. Imagine walking around for 20 minutes looking right up at the ceiling. This is the sort of position your head is in when swimming head up breaststroke.