Swimming through the time!

Originally starting in England as a recreational sport, swimming became an officially recognized Olympic Sport in 1896. At the very beginning, the only events offered were the 100 freestyle and 1500 meter freestyle and were held in open water. Initially, women were not allowed to compete. But as popularity grew, and the sports expanded its realms to include new events, subsequent new strokes and competition emerged for women! 

 Learn more interesting swimming history here!