HISTORY OF SWIMMING
WATER is not habitat, but most people are able to float in it.
Once this phenomenon is experienced, appropriate actions
of the limbs will bring about the movement known as
SWIMMING. This exhilarating activity is for all, from the
youngest to the oldest, from the athletic to handicapped.
SWIMMING is an aquatic sport in which the participant or
swimmer aims to cover a given distance in a smallest
amount of time.
There are basically four competitive strokes used in
Olympic swimming:
FREESTYLE BUTTERFLY
BACKSRTOKE BREASTSTROKE
The events are held in all of these strokes at varying
distances. The competition for men and women are the
same, except that the longest race for men is 1500m while
800m long for women. These events comprise either a
combination of the strokes swum by one participant or by a
group of four swimmers.
There are many good reasons why everyone should
learn how to swim. The following aims will indicate:
SURVIVAL THERAPY
RECREATION Competition
The important DATE and EVENTS in development of the
swimming are as follow:
the first indoor swimming pool, St. George baths was
1828
opened to the public.
1830 Swimming emerge as a competitive recreational activity in England.
The rational swimming society was holding regular swimming
1837
competition in 6 official swimming pools built around London.
Two native American participants at a swimming competition in
1844
London introduced front crawl to a western audience.
The important DATE and EVENTS in development of the
swimming are as follow:
Captain Matthew Webb was he first men to swim the English
1875
channel (between England - France)
When the first national governing body, the amateur swimming
1880
association was formed.
The world’s first women’s swimming championship was
1892
held in Scotland.
1896 Swimming became part of the most modern Olympic Games in Athens.
The important DATE and EVENTS in development of the
swimming are as follow:
The Australian Richmond Cavill introduced the front crawl
1902
to the western world.
The world swimming association Federation International
1908
de Nation (FINA) was formed.
1930 Butterfly stroke was developed.
The national collegiate athletic association, NCAA approve the use
1962
of touch pads for all swim meets.
The important DATE and EVENTS in development of the
swimming are as follow:
1968 Olympic Games which were held in Mexico City.
EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES IN SWIMMING
SWIM CAP – a swim keeps
the swimmers hair out of the
way to reduce drag. Caps
maybe made of latex,
silicon, spandex or lycra.
Goggles – goggles keeps
water and chlorine out of
swimmers eyes. Goggles
may tinted to counteract
glare at outdoor pools.
Prescription goggles may be
used by swimmers who
were corrective lenses.
Swim Fins – Rubber fins
are used to help keep faster,
but are illegal in a race. They
also improve technique by
keeping the feet in proper
position while kicking.
Drag Suit
Swimmers use drag suits to
increase resistance.
Hand paddles – swimmers use
this plastic devices to build arm
and shoulder strength and refine
pulling techniques, hand paddles
attached to the hand with rubber
tubing elastic material. They come
different shapes and sizes,
depending on swimmers
preference or if a team has begun
to taper.
Kick Board – a kick board is
a foam board that swimmers
use to support the weight of
the upper body while they
focus on kicking, help build
leg muscles.
Pull buoy – open used at
same time as hand paddles
Pull buoys support
swimmers legs prevent them
kicking while focus on
pulling. Pull buoys are made
of foam so they float in the
water. Swimmers hold them
between the thigh.
Ankle bands – improving
balance will minimize the
needs for this kick to provide
an upward, instead of
forward vector and in some
cases completely corrects
the kicks.
Tempo trainer – a beeping
clap attached to a swimmers
cap or goggles helps them
to maintain a certain arm
tempo or speed. As each
beep is heard, their next
strokes should be taken.
Snorkel – a snorkel is a
plastic device that helps
swimmers breathe while
swimming. The place of
equipment helps swimmer
practice keeping his/her
head in one position.
Zoomer - a type of rubber
fins, zommer are cut off with
holes in the bottom. They
help make swimmer kick
faster, but at the cost of
working harder
Swim suit – the swim suit
cover the skin for modesty.
Competitive swimwear
seeks approve upon bear
human skin for advantages.
