Swimming 101

Want to try something this summer that is both fun and great exercise? Then swimming may be the sport for you!

Swimming - History

Since water has been around even before mankind, swimming has always existed. Drawings dating as far back as 2000 B.C. prove that people participated in swimming, even back then. Competitive swimming started in the 1800's in Europe, and was one of the events in the first ever modern Olympic games in 1896.

Swimming - Health Benefits

Spending some time at the pool is one of the best cardio workouts you can do. Of course, this doesn't mean laying poolside working on your tan! Swimming benefits your heart and lungs and also builds muscle and endurance. It helps people relieve stress as well, because it allows you to let your mind focus just on your technique. Unlike other sports like football and basketball, swimming is an activity that you can do throughout your whole life. There is less stress on your bones and joints since the body is supported by water.

Swimming - Competitive Swimming

People can start swimming competitively around the age of five. From there they can compete in high school, college, and if they are really good, the Olympics. There are 17 different events a person can compete in. These events comprise of four different competitive strokes - the butterfly, backstroke, breastroke and freestyle. Each of these strokes has different race lengths offered - like running events there are short sprint races and there are long endurance races. Aside from individual races, there are also relay races - the medley and freestyle.

I think my number one favorite sport is swimming. I like swimming because it is very good for your body. It gives you lots of exercise and endurance. Since I was five my dad has been bringing me to swimming lessons and my sisters have been teaching me too. I joined a swimming club when I was only eight and have enjoyed it ever since.

Kidz Submit By:

Nickname: Arthur
Age: 11

I love swimming and have been on a swim team since I was four years old. A lot of people that I know think that swimming is so easy and it is a whimp sport but if you really think that why don't you get in the pool and try the practices we do! I really don't like people saying it is a whimpy sport because I work so hard at it! Sometimes I feel like quitting because it is so hard but I just remember how much I really enjoy the sport!

Kidz Submit By:

Nickname: swimkid99
Age: 12

Tell Kidzworld about your favorite sport.

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