London 2012 Olympic Games: Swimming

Watch one of the most popular Olympic sports, swimming, as it takes up residence in the London 2012 Olympic Games Aquatics Centre.

Swimming at London 2012

From sprints to long-distance contests, swimming is packed with thrilling action as competitors battle it out to the reach the finish line – where an inch can be the difference between winning and losing.

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, swimming will take place at the brand-new, wave-shaped Aquatics Centre. It is one of four aquatic sports, the others being water polo, diving and synchronised swimming. 

Swimming events are divided according to the different strokes: front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke. There are also relay competitions, 10k marathon races and a medley, where all four strokes are used.

Swimming at the Olympic Games

The United States and Australia are usually the nations to beat in the sport. The two powerhouses continued their dominance during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with the US securing 31 medals and Australia, 20.

Great Britain, their closest challengers, won six medals (including two golds) and, as the home team, will be looking to make a bigger impact in 2012.

One of the biggest names in the sport from recent times is Ian Thorpe, who has five Olympic gold medals to his name. The Australian retired in 2006.