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With elite men and women in the 50 m freestyle sprint, it is either one breath or none. It is arguable which technique is better. Taking a breath slows the stroke rate and the swimmer momentarily, but the additional oxygen may help the swimmer through the final crucial meters.
Gary Jr. took a breath just outside of the flags in Athens (2004), then proceeded to take the fastest four strokes I have ever seen to win the gold. Manadou took a breath about the same location in 2016 and Anthony Ervin, without taking a breath, shot by him to win the gold.
So one breath or none? You decide.
Gary