MAIN Sports Olympic Games Swimming

The swim meets and aquatic events at the Summer Games are some of the most popular Olympic events.

At the first Olympics in 1896, the swimmers were dumped into the water from a yacht and swam to shore! Today, it's always exciting when a talented swimmer battles for position with other world class athletes.

Team USA - Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps and Team USA had what looked like the best chance for Olympic Gold in 2008... as its star performer continued to break records around the world.

Following his six gold medal-winning performance in Athens in 2004, and his triumph at the world championships in Melbourne, (where he set 5 world records and took home seven gold medals) Phelps was poised to sweep the Beijing Olympics with ease.

Phelps ultimately eclipsed his American compatriot and seven-gold medal champion Mark Spitz in 2008 by taking eight golds in Beijing.

Meanwhile, another swimmer on the American team, 24-year-old Eric Shanteau, is grabbing headlines for his decision to delay treatment for testicular cancer until after the games — and has since become rightfully a media star for his Olympian heroics.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Swimming - The official site, with complete background information on events with schedule and venue information, the lastest updates, plus feature stories on memorable Olympic swimming greats.

International Olympic Committee - Swimming - Great coverage of both swimming and Aquatics for all of the teams including list of events, photo gallery, Flash presentation, technical details and related glossary.

Swim City - In addition to all the resources and information they normally have, watch for Olympic coverage showcasing the history of swimming in the Summer Games, swimming records, competition schedules, venues and much more.

USA Swimming - The official Team USA site with excellent news coverage of US issues and swimmers offers a good look behind the scenes with the team as they compete. Results, athlete photos & bios, and lots more updated often.

Swim Info - You'll find all the Team USA Olympics information you want on this online version of Swimming World. Updates on the teams, the coaches and other diving and swimming news from the USA.

BBC - Olympics - Swimming - The latest updates, photo galleries & video, and if you're a novice swimming fan check the excellent beginner's guide...

Amateur Swimming Association - British Olympic swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and paralymics coverage, along with national competition & events, photos & profiles.

Swimming News - Headlines from selected international media updated every 15 minutes provides you with all the swimming news as it happens.

also see in Recreation -> Swimming