Swimming (sport)

LeanderPicart

Burgess and Webb

Kazan 2015 - Katie Ledecky wins 400m freestyle (cropped)

Phelps 400m IM-crop

Swimming pool 50m 2008

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16 ACPS Atlanta 1996 Australian Swim Team Training

Swimming (sport) is a competitive and recreational activity involving the propulsion of the body through water using the limbs. It is a widely practiced sport and a fundamental skill for safety around water bodies. Swimming competitions are governed by the International Swimming Federation (FINA), which sets the rules and standards for international competition in pools and open water.

History

Swimming has been a part of human culture since prehistoric times, with evidence of swimming practices dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The first recorded swimming races were held in Japan in 36 B.C. The modern era of competitive swimming began in the early 19th century in Europe with the establishment of swimming clubs and the standardization of swimming strokes.

Strokes

There are four main strokes used in competitive swimming:

• Freestyle: Also known as the front crawl, this is the fastest stroke and involves alternating arm movements with a flutter kick.
• Backstroke: Swum on the back, this stroke uses an alternating arm movement and a flutter kick.
• Breaststroke: This stroke is characterized by a frog kick and simultaneous arm movements in a circular motion.
• Butterfly: A more physically demanding stroke, the butterfly features a dolphin kick and simultaneous overhead arm movements.

Competitions

Swimming competitions range from local meets to global events like the Olympic Games and the World Aquatics Championships. Races are conducted in pools of standardized lengths (typically 25 or 50 meters) and include individual and team events across various distances and strokes. Open water swimming, a discipline within the sport, involves racing in natural water bodies, such as lakes and oceans, over distances that can exceed 10 kilometers.

Training

Competitive swimmers undergo rigorous training regimes to improve technique, endurance, speed, and strength. Training includes swimming laps, dry land workouts, and exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent injuries. Coaches play a crucial role in developing swimmers' skills and preparing them for competition.

Equipment

Swimmers use various equipment to aid performance and training. This includes:

• Swimsuits: High-tech suits are designed to reduce drag and improve speed.
• Goggles: Protect the eyes from chlorine and improve underwater visibility.
• Swim caps: Reduce drag and help to keep hair out of the face.
• Training tools: Kickboards, fins, paddles, and pull buoys are used to focus on improving specific aspects of swimming technique.

Health Benefits

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, offering a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. It is also low-impact, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with physical limitations.

Safety

Water safety is a critical aspect of swimming, emphasizing the importance of learning to swim and understanding water hazards. Lifeguards and safety protocols are essential at public pools and beaches to prevent drowning and water-related accidents.