Swimming has been part of the Olympic schedule since the very first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s one of only four disciplines to have been retained, appearing in every summer Olympics since – the others being athletics, artistic gymnastics and fencing.

Internationally, competitive swimming came into prominence with its inclusion in the modern Olympic Games from their inception in 1896. Olympic events were originally only for men, but women’s events were added in 1912. Before the formation of FINA, the Games included some unusual events.

The modern era of Olympic swimming began in 1896 when swimming was officially included in the Games held in Athens, Greece. The first Olympic swimming competitions took place in the Bay of Zea, a natural harbor near Athens. These events marked the beginning of competitive swimming as we know it today.

Swimming is a sport that boasts a rich history at the modern Olympic Games, having featured at every edition since Athens 1896. The inaugural Games saw competitions only in men’s freestyle swimming. The backstroke events were added at Paris 1900, breaststroke at St. Louis 1904 and butterfly at Melbourne 1956.