Swimming Races Throughout The Centuries

Based on historical records, swimming dates back to the prehistoric era, and even in the ancient times several references mention swimming. This only shows that swimming --- for sports or pleasure --- has a great history behind it. People may think that swimming only began a few centuries before, but through research, it shows how it has been an essential part of the primeval life.

Even in those ancient days, there have been swimming races and competitions held for skilled swimmers. But, during these times, the main reason why they urge people to swim is to instill discipline and to avoid drowning. Like the noble Samurais and knights, they do rigid training in the water through swimming, while the European organizations and schools aim to reduce drowning incidents.

It was in Japan around 36BC, where the first recorded swimming races were described, which were followed by some European countries, and eventually there were Americans who joined the swimming races in Britain. Although there have been swimming races and competitions held, swimming wasn’t included in the Olympic Games until 1896 in Athens. In this Olympic Games, there were six swimming races planned, although only four out of these six were competed; but when it was introduced at that time, this was only a male-only event. Because swimming was gaining popularity, more and more swimming races were held and contested throughout Europe, which include different events --- various swimming strokes and distances. There were additional two swimming races added in the Olympic Games of 1900, and this also included other water or underwater events. In the next Olympic Games held in St. Louis in 1904, several variations and events were added in the swimming races, allowing more strokes to be displayed and distances to be covered. Finally, in 1912, when the Olympic Games were help in Stockholm, women were given the chance to compete in the freestyle swimming races.

Nowadays, there are over thousands of swimming meets and races held all over the world --- be it in school, communities, and countries. Swimming races have truly evolved from a few events to several games. Swim fans enjoy watching their swimmers compete these races and win the titles, not just because they represent a school, or city, or country, but rather, because of the strict discipline that swimmers imbibe in them throughout their trainings and until the competition.

As more people appreciate swimming, the younger generations would learn to love this sport, too. So instead of fearing this rigid exercise, people would come to embrace it.