Swimming

The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) organizes and regulates swimming races in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley events, as well as competitions in diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, and open-water swimming. Since 1908, FINA has recognized and verified world records, established and [Page 1429]modified the rules for each discipline, and organized the aquatics events at the Olympic Games and FINA world championships. Women have accomplished many feats in the sport of swimming but have faced many challenges as well.

Bathing emerged as a popular leisure activity in the early 1800s to enhance cleanliness and good health. Consequently, cities and private clubs built numerous baths and indoor pools, and swimming became an acceptable recreational pursuit for women in most areas of the world. ...