Based on the provided reference, Ranji was the better swimmer.
Evidence from the Reference
The reference clearly establishes Ranji's superiority in swimming. When challenged by the other boy, Ranji's immediate action demonstrated exceptional skill and speed:
- Direct Action: Ranji didn't hesitate; he "dived straight into the water."
- Exceptional Speed: He "surfaced at the other end in a flash."
- Demonstrated Skill: The other boy was specifically "amazed at how well Ranji had dived and later at how he had swum underwater."
This reaction and the subsequent amazement of the other boy serve as definitive proof of Ranji's superior swimming abilities.
Ranji's Key Swimming Skills
The reference highlights several aspects of Ranji's swimming prowess:
- Diving Proficiency: The other boy was impressed by Ranji's dive.
- Speed and Efficiency: Crossing the pool "in a flash" indicates significant speed and powerful strokes.
- Underwater Ability: Ranji's skill in swimming underwater further demonstrates advanced control and technique.
These demonstrated skills stand in contrast to the other boy, whose reaction was one of pure astonishment rather than a display of comparable ability.
Comparison of Swimmers
While the reference focuses primarily on Ranji's actions, we can infer the difference in skill through the narrative:
| Aspect | Ranji | Other Boy |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Swam across the pool quickly, swam underwater | Made a challenge, observed Ranji |
| Skill Level | High (demonstrated speed, diving, underwater) | Lower (implied by amazement) |
| Impact | Amazed the other boy | Was amazed by Ranji's skills |
This simple comparison, drawn directly from the provided text, underscores why Ranji is identified as the better swimmer.
In conclusion, Ranji's ability to swim across the pool rapidly, his skill in diving, and his proficiency underwater, all of which astonished the other boy, confirm that he was the better swimmer.
