Question

Explain the world and Indian history of swimming.

Answer 1

1. Early development: Swimming emerged as a competitive sport in England in the early 1800s. St George's Baths, the first indoor swimming pool, opened for public use in 1828.
2. Organisation: The Amateur Swimming Association, the first national governing body for swimming, was formed in 1880. The international swimming body, FINA, was formed in 1908.
3. Olympic swimming: Swimming featured at the 1896 Athens Olympic Games, which were then open only to men. Four events were contested: the 100 m, 500 m and 1200 m freestyle, and the 100 m for sailors. Hungary’s Alfréd Hajós won the first gold medal, in the 100 m freestyle.
4. Women’s participation: Women first competed in Olympic swimming at the 1912 Stockholm Games, in freestyle races. In those Games, Fanny Durack of Australia became the first female Olympic swimming gold medallist, winning the 100 m freestyle. Harry Hebner of the United States won the men’s 100 m backstroke.