The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Swim the full pool-race distance in the required stroke, aiming for the fastest valid finish. Different strokes have different technical requirements.

Scoring

Official times determine places; equal official times give equal placing. Heats and later rounds determine who reaches the final under the event format.

Key rules

• Wait for the starting signal; starting early can lead to disqualification.
• Stay in your assigned lane, touch the wall at turns and finish, and do not obstruct another swimmer.
• Breaststroke and butterfly require a simultaneous touch with both hands at turns and the finish; freestyle and backstroke have different requirements.