Swimmers

Swimmers are people who move through water by coordinated arm and leg movements. They may swim for recreation, fitness, training, or competition, and they may do so in pools or open water. The term encompasses casual lap swimmers, competitive athletes, and triathletes, as well as swimmers who practice therapeutic or rehabilitation techniques.

Competitive swimmers usually specialize in one or more strokes and train under coaches to improve speed, endurance, and efficiency. Training combines technique drills, interval sets, starts and turns, and dry-land strength work. Recreational swimmers focus on comfort and safety, while triathletes integrate swimming with cycling and running.

The four competitive strokes are freestyle (front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Some events use individual medleys that combine all four. Starts, turns, and finish techniques influence race results and require precise technique and practice.

Physiology supports swimming performance: large muscle groups, aerobic capacity, and breath control. Streamlining the body, reducing drag, and maintaining buoyancy are key to efficiency in the water. Proper technique also lowers the risk of injury and improves energy use.

Equipment includes performance swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps. Safety considerations involve pool rules, lifeguards, and awareness of hazards in open water, such as currents, waves, and weather changes.

Swimming has a long competitive history, with organized events appearing in the 19th century and Olympic inclusion since 1896 for men and 1912 for women. International bodies such as FINA govern rules, records, and world championships.