Swimming at the Olympics is probably at par with the Athletics and Gymnastic when it comes to popularity in Olympics. Here is the information what you want to know all about swimming at the Olympics.
All about Swimming at Olympics
It may sound surprising to many who are accustomed with swimming pools for the holding of swimming related events, in the first few Olympics like in the year 1896, 1900 and 1904 the swimming events were either held in sea or in a artificial lake. In the year 1908 a 100 meter swimming pool was built for the Olympics and it was set on the center of the track and field event. The 1912 Olympics at Stockholm has marked the beginning of the electrical timing. Over the year, more and more events were added in the swimming at the Olympics. There were also restrictions for the swimmers dress code as well for both the males and female swimmers.
In the 1924 Olympics at Paris it was the first time that a 50 meter poll with marked lines was used. The flip turn was developed by the decade of 1950s. Swimming goggles were first allowed in the year 1976! Till 1956 the butterfly stroke was not a separate event in the swimming and it was part of breaststroke race only.
Male and Female Events at the Olympics for Swimming
Male Events
- 50 metre freestyle
- 100 metre freestyle
- 200 metre freestyle
- 400 metre freestyle
- 1500 metre freestyle
- 100 metre backstroke
- 200 metre backstroke
- 100 metre breaststroke
- 200 metre breaststroke
- 100 metre butterfly
- 200 metre butterfly
- 200 metre individual medley
- 400 metre individual medley
- 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay
- 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay
- 4 x 100 metre medley relay
- Marathon 10 km
Women’s events
- 50 metre freestyle
- 100 metre freestyle
- 200 metre freestyle
- 400 metre freestyle
- 800 metre freestyle
- 100 metre backstroke
- 200 metre backstroke
- 100 metre breaststroke
- 200 metre breaststroke
- 100 metre butterfly
- 200 metre butterfly
- 200 metre individual medley
- 400 metre individual medley
- 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay
- 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay
- 4 x 100 metre medley relay
- Marathon 10 km
Participating Nations and Medals
Total approximately 53 nations have participated in different categories mentioned above and United States of America has won the most number of medals which is currently standing at 520. USA has won 230 Gold, 164 Silver and 126 Bronze. Australia is a distant second with 178 medals with 57 Gold, 60 Silver and 61 Bronze. Former country East Germany is still holding the 3rd place with 92 medals in total.