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Competitive swimming is a timed sport in which each swimmer covers a set distance in a pool as fast as possible. There are four strokes: freestyle (front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Events are contested individually or as relays.

Cover the required distance in the prescribed stroke in the fastest possible time. The first to touch the finishing wall (or the best time) wins.

• •Four strokes: freestyle (usually front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly; each event prescribes one stroke.
• •The start is on a signal, diving from the block (or from in the water for backstroke); a single false start means disqualification.
• •At each turn and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall; how depends on the stroke.
• •Each swimmer stays in their own lane and must not obstruct an opponent.
• •After a start or turn, underwater swimming is allowed for at most 15 metres before the head must break the surface.
• •In the individual medley the order is fixed: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.