Coach Paulo Sousa Develops Unique 3D-Printed Paddles for Triathletes

In the French Pyrenees, coach Paulo Sousa is training his elite triathlon team using specially designed 3D-printed paddles. These paddles, which feature a unique rounded shape and an off-center fin, are not commercially available and were developed by Sousa himself, an engineer with a background in fluid dynamics.

After multiple iterations, Sousa's paddles aim to improve swimmers' technique by adjusting the center of pressure closer to the wrist, which helps maintain proper elbow positioning during strokes. Athletes, including Olympic medalist Taylor Spivey, have tested these paddles, finding them effective despite initial skepticism.

While Sousa acknowledges that the paddles may not suit every swimmer, he emphasizes their design benefits for those who generate propulsion primarily through drag. He has no plans to market these paddles, viewing them as a personal project for his squad.