[Q.]

By the way, if you didn't already know it, Terry Laughlin is the guy who started TI and is still a competive swimmer in his 50's although he's long distance, not sprint.

I just found this too that talks about not pulling:

At each of our workshops, we give a lecture, using video to illustrate, in which we talk about the two paths to improved stroke efficiency. These concepts are then applied through the drills we teach. One path is Minimizing Drag and we explain that you minimize drag by mastering three "Eliminating Skills." These skills are:

1. Swimming Downhill – i.e. mastering balance.
2. Swimming Taller: Sheila characterizes this as "gliding" but we do not teach anyone to "glide." We teach them to use the hand to fully extend the body line before they use it to anchor—or "hold water" as Sheila describes it.
3. Pierce the Water—i.e. consciously slip your body through the smallest possible hold.

In the second half of this lecture, we describe the other half of the equation—how to Maximize Propulsion by mastering three "Creating Skills." These skills are:

1. Use your core-body as your engine.
2. Use your hands to "hold onto your place in the water."
3. Swim faster with your body, not with your arms and legs.