swimming
Self-propulsion of the body through water. As a competitive sport there are four strokes: crawl, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. (In freestyle events, the crawl is usually used, since it is the ‘fastest’ stroke for most swimmers; but any stroke may be used.) Distances of races vary from 25 yards up to the mile or more. Swimming meets are held in pools and at beach clubs (for the events longer than the mile).
History
Swimming has been known since ancient times, in the training of Greek and Roman warriors. Competitive swimming is known to have taken place in Japan in 36 BC, and became compulsory in schools there in 1603. Fear of infection prevented Europeans from swimming during the Middle Ages, but during the late 19th century swimming pools with chlorine as a disinfectant began to be built at major schools and universities. By the early 20th century in the US, public pools were features of parks and clubs, and swimming, diving, and water polo were part of the sports revival that gave pleasure to the leisured classes.Swimming has become a popular pastime and competitive sport for age-grade, school, amateur, and senior contestants in all parts of the US.
Special types of swimming
Synchronized swimming is a form of ‘ballet’ performed in and under water and accompanied by music. Underwater swimming developed with the invention of such equipment as flippers, snorkel, and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba). See also diving.Competitions
Swimming has been included in the Olympic Games since 1896 for men and 1912 for women. The world championships were introduced in 1973, later held in 1975 and 1978 and every four years since; from 1998 they have been held every two years. Synchronized swimming was introduced to the Olympics in 1984. Long-distance river/sea swimming races were introduced in 1991. Short-course competitive swimming – in 25-metre as opposed to 50-metre pools – grew in popularity in the 1990s. The World Short Course Championships were inaugurated in 1993 and have since taken place every two years. Separate world record lists are published for short- and long- (50-metre pools) course races. The sport is governed worldwide by La Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA; International Swimming Federation).How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
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