FAQ
Who has won the most Olympic swimming medals?
Michael Phelps of the USA won 28 Olympic medals including 23 golds across five Games from 2004 to 2016, the most decorated total in Olympic history in any sport.
What is the fastest 100 m freestyle ever swum?
Pan Zhanle of China swam 46.40 seconds winning the Paris 2024 final, the current long course world record. David Popovici had been the first under 47 seconds with 46.86 in 2022.
How long is an Olympic swimming pool?
Olympic racing uses a 50 m long course pool, a standard first used at the 1924 Paris Games. Short course meets use 25 m pools. Olympic pools must be at least 2 m deep and are typically 3 m at modern Games.
What are the rules for swimming the English Channel?
Swimmers start and finish on dry land, wear only a standard costume, one cap and goggles, and cannot touch the boat or any person. An observer on the pilot boat ratifies the crossing. Wetsuits are not allowed.
What is the Oceans Seven?
It is channel swimming grand slam: the North Channel, Cook Strait, Molokai Channel, English Channel, Catalina Channel, Tsugaru Strait and Strait of Gibraltar. Adam Walker of Great Britain completed all seven first in 2014.
Do marathon swimmers wear wetsuits?
Under channel and Oceans Seven rules, no. Swims must be in standard costumes to count as official crossings. Triathlon and some mass participation swims allow wetsuits, usually below defined water temperatures.