I think we are giving too much importance to these "other factors". They must have certainly contributed to the improved timings I think we should credit the swimmers and coaches for breaking all those records.
Bowman attributes it to swimmers being more agressive in these games! Lezak's show (in the 4x100) has probably not much to do with the depth of the pool or the water drag. He was all heart and mind there.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/sport ... man&st=cse
"Ten world records have fallen in the first four days of the meet. Eight world records were set at the Athens Games four years ago, and 14 fell in Sydney, Australia, in 2000. Much has been made of the pool’s state-of-the-art design, which reduces waves; and the latest high-tech suits, which reduce drag.
But Bob Bowman, who coaches Phelps, said there was more behind the fast times here than met the eye. He said the fast pool and the fast suits had emboldened swimmers.
“I think people are swimming a little more aggressive,” Bowman said. “They’re taking a little bit of risk and finding out they maybe can do more than they thought possible. I think the thing that’s changed so dramatically is people’s expectations are just higher.”"
