Swimming has become a mass activity since the 16th century. The first competition was held in 1515 in Venice. At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, swimming schools were created in several European countries. In 1896, men's swimming competitions were included in the summer program. Since 1912, women have also participated in competitions in this sport.
Competitions begin with preliminary heats. The 24 best swimmers divide 8 people into 3 heats. In the competition at a distance of 400 m, the 8 best swimmers reach the final, and at a distance of 200 m, a semi-final is held, in which 16 people participate.
Start and finish help to identify electronic sensors on the walls of the pool and pedestals. Therefore, time is calculated with an accuracy of hundredths of a second.
The Olympic program includes the following styles: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly.
The freestyle swim, which is also called a crawl, takes place at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 m. In addition, men participate in competitions at a distance of 1.5 km. When crawling, the athlete's upper body is constantly above the water surface. A swimmer is allowed to completely submerge under the water only at the start and turn, and then to a depth of no more than 15 m. The finish is considered to be achieved if the swimmer touches the pool wall with at least one hand. During the turn, it is allowed to push off with your feet.
When an athlete performs on his back, his legs may be under water. He is allowed to go under the water at the start and turn to a depth of no more than 15 m. Swimming competitions in this style are held at distances of 100 and 200 m.
Breaststroke swims also run at a distance of 100 and 200 m. In this case, the athletes are in a face down position, the legs are horizontal and move synchronously. Swimmers can only take an upright position once with each foot. When turning and finishing, be sure to touch the pool walls with both hands. The head can be under or above water.
The butterfly style differs from the breaststroke in that the swimmer needs to swim face down on the surface of the water all the time. In addition, his arms must move forward in sync.
For swimming competitions, a pool is used, the length of which is 50 m, depth of 3 m. It is divided into 8 lanes, which are indicated by lines and numbered. The water temperature varies from 25 to 27 degrees.
