Obsession With Swimming

If you watch a world class swimmer in slow motion video, can that help you to improve?  My theory is maybe.......just noticing the guy's rhythm and body position in the water, how his arms and legs move, etc.  Maybe I could stop consciously thinking and unconsciously incorporate his technique without the thousands of hours of practice he's been through.   Not likely?  Well, at least it's entertaining. Below is slow motion underwater video of Australian swimmer, Ian Thorpe: