Project
Report
By: Vanshh Saraogi
Class: XI-A
House: Patanjali
House number: 11945
Subject: Physical Education
Title page
Title: Swimming
Subject: Physical Education
By: Vanshh Saraogi
Class: XI-A
Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of Swimming
3. Rules and Regulations
4. Dimensions of a Swimming pool
5. Terminologies
6. Important personalities
7. Awards
8. Conclusion
9. Sources of Information
1. Introduction
Swimming is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. It is
both a recreational activity and a competitive sport involving the
movement of the body through water using various techniques known as
strokes. Swimming promotes physical fitness, endurance, and mental
relaxation. The sport is practiced worldwide by people of all age groups
and is included in major international competitions like the Olympics,
Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
2. History of Swimming
Swimming dates back to prehistoric times. Cave paintings found in Egypt
from around 2500 BCE depict people swimming using styles similar to the
breaststroke and dog paddle. The ancient Greeks and Romans practiced
swimming as part of their military training and recreational life. The
Japanese have records of swimming competitions as early as 36 BCE.
Modern competitive swimming began in the 19th century. In 1837,
swimming races were held by the National Swimming Society in London.
The first indoor swimming pool, known as St. George’s Baths, was opened
in 1828 in London. Swimming became a part of the first modern Olympic
Games in Athens in 1896, but only for men. Women's swimming events
were introduced in 1912 at the Stockholm Olympics.
3. Rules and Regulations
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) governs swimming
competitions worldwide and sets the standard rules. The key rules include:
Strokes
1. Freestyle: Swimmers can use any style but the front crawl is most
commonly used because it is the fastest.
2. Backstroke: Swimmers must stay on their backs except during the
turn.
3. Breaststroke: Both arms must move simultaneously on the same
horizontal plane. Legs follow a frog-kick motion.
4. Butterfly: Both arms move symmetrically with a dolphin kick.
Starts and Turns
Races start with a dive from a starting block, except for backstroke
and medley relays which begin in the water.
Swimmers must touch the wall at each turn and at the finish.
In breaststroke and butterfly, both hands must touch the wall
simultaneously during turns and at the finish.
Disqualifications
False start (leaving the block before the start signal).
Incorrect stroke or improper turn.
Not touching the wall at the required points.
Race Distances
Common distances: 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m.
Relay races: 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle, and 4x100m
medley.
4. Swimming Pool Dimensions and Markings
According to FINA standards, competitive swimming pools must meet the
following criteria:
Length: 50 meters (Olympic-size) or 25 meters (short-course).
Width: 25 meters (for Olympic pools).
Depth: At least 2 meters deep.
Lanes: 8 to 10 lanes, each 2.5 meters wide.
Markings:
o Black lines at the bottom to guide swimmers.
o T-shaped markings at the ends to signal the wall.
o Lane ropes to reduce wave interference.
Starting blocks: Located at one end of each lane.
5. Swimming Terminology
Understanding swimming vocabulary is essential for participants and
spectators. Here are some common terms:
Lap: One complete length of the pool.
Heat: A preliminary race to qualify for finals.
Split Time: The time taken to complete a specific segment of a
race.
Tapering: Reducing training before a major competition to optimize
performance.
Drafting: Swimming closely behind another swimmer to reduce
water resistance.
Medley: A race where all four strokes are used in the following
order – butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
6. Important Personalities in Swimming
Michael Phelps (USA)
The most decorated Olympian of all time.
Won 23 Olympic gold medals, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
Known for his dominance in butterfly and medley events.
Awards: World Swimmer of the Year (8 times), Laureus World
Sportsman of the Year, USA Swimming Athlete of the Year
(multiple times).
Katie Ledecky (USA)
Dominant in freestyle long-distance events.
Has multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals.
Known for setting world records in the 800m and 1500m freestyle.
Ian Thorpe (Australia)
Known as “The Thorpedo.”
Won 5 Olympic gold medals.
Famous for his performance in freestyle events and his unique
swimming technique.
Kristin Otto (Germany)
Won 6 gold medals in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
First woman to win six gold medals in a single Olympic Games.
7. Awards and Honors
Competitive swimmers receive various prestigious awards:
FINA Swimmer of the Year
Olympic Medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Laureus Sports Awards
National Awards like the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award in India
for outstanding achievements.
World Aquatics Championships medals.
World and Olympic Record Certificates by FINA.
8. Conclusion
Swimming is more than just a sport; it is a life skill and a powerful tool for
fitness and mental well-being. Its rich history, strict yet fair rules, and
exciting competitive environment make it a favourite sport globally. The
achievements of swimmers like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky inspire
millions to take up the sport. As water safety becomes more crucial and
access to pools increases, swimming is likely to gain even more popularity
across all age groups.
9. Sources of Information
1. Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA): https://www.fina.org/
2. Olympic Channel: https://olympics.com/en/
3. USA Swimming: https://www.usaswimming.org/
4. Britannica – Swimming History and Rules:
https://www.britannica.com/sports/swimming
5. Swim England: https://www.swimming.org/
6. Wikipedia – Competitive Swimming:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_(sport)
