Swimming History
Amanda Rector
September 24, 2012
English 12
Gina Beach
Evolution of Swimming Swimming was practiced by civilizations going back to the Egyptians. As long as there was a practice venue such as a river, stream, or pond, swimming is available to anyone willing to try (Clearly 52). Swimming has existed since the dawn of time for exercise and pleasure. Swimming has evolved into a popular fitness activity as well as a major competitive Olympic Sport, but what is some of the history behind this legendary sport? Swimming has been recorded since prehistoric times; the earliest recording of swimming dates back to Stone Age paintings. Written references date from 2000 BCE. Some of the earliest references of swimming include the stories of Gilgamesh, the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Bible, Beowulf and many more (“History of Swimming”). Competitive swimming in Europe started around 1800, mostly using breaststroke as the primary stroke. In 1873, John Arthur Trudgen introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native Americans. Swimming was part of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens. In 1908, the world swimming association, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), was formed (“History. . .”). The butterfly stroke was developed in the 1930s and was at first a variation of breaststroke, until it was accepted as a separate style in 1952. Cave men from the Stone Age were found on the “Cave of Swimmers” and they seemed to depict breaststroke or dog paddle, although it is possible that the movements had a ritual meaning not relevant to swimming. The most famous drawings were said to be found in the Kebir desert and are estimated to be from around 4000 BCE (“History. . .”). In the Middle Ages swimming was initially one of the seven agilities of knights, including swimming with their armor on. However, also in the Middle Ages, people swam undressed and it soon became less popular as society became more prudish in
September 24, 2012
English 12
Gina Beach
Evolution of Swimming Swimming was practiced by civilizations going back to the Egyptians. As long as there was a practice venue such as a river, stream, or pond, swimming is available to anyone willing to try (Clearly 52). Swimming has existed since the dawn of time for exercise and pleasure. Swimming has evolved into a popular fitness activity as well as a major competitive Olympic Sport, but what is some of the history behind this legendary sport? Swimming has been recorded since prehistoric times; the earliest recording of swimming dates back to Stone Age paintings. Written references date from 2000 BCE. Some of the earliest references of swimming include the stories of Gilgamesh, the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Bible, Beowulf and many more (“History of Swimming”). Competitive swimming in Europe started around 1800, mostly using breaststroke as the primary stroke. In 1873, John Arthur Trudgen introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native Americans. Swimming was part of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens. In 1908, the world swimming association, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), was formed (“History. . .”). The butterfly stroke was developed in the 1930s and was at first a variation of breaststroke, until it was accepted as a separate style in 1952. Cave men from the Stone Age were found on the “Cave of Swimmers” and they seemed to depict breaststroke or dog paddle, although it is possible that the movements had a ritual meaning not relevant to swimming. The most famous drawings were said to be found in the Kebir desert and are estimated to be from around 4000 BCE (“History. . .”). In the Middle Ages swimming was initially one of the seven agilities of knights, including swimming with their armor on. However, also in the Middle Ages, people swam undressed and it soon became less popular as society became more prudish in
Cited: ” New York Times 07 Aug. 1998: 1, Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 6 Sept. 2012. Munatones, Steven. “Olympic Open Water Swimming Preview: OPEN WATERE 101.” Swimming World 49.5 (2008): 22. MAS Complete. Web. 6 Sept. 2012. St.Louis, Dan. Interview. Sept. 18, 2012.