Swimming and diving

Swimming and diving, popular water sports. Common swimming styles include the side stroke, a simple sidewise propulsion for distance swimming and lifesaving; the breaststroke, a froglike arm-and-leg thrust; backstroke, either overarm or, for distance endurance, an inverted breaststroke; and the crawl, the most common freestyle form, using an overarm pull and a flutter kick. The butterfly, a modified breaststroke that thrusts the head and arms up from the water and incorporates a dolphin kick, has become a popular competitive style. Distance swimming has produced many well-publicized attempts to cross the English Channel and other large bodies of water. Organized, artistic diving dates back to 17th century Sweden and Germany. Competitions include forward, backward, reverse, inward, twisting, and armstand dives in layout (extended), tuck (rolled in a ball), pike (bent at waist, legs straight), and free positions, from a platform or springboard. Various swimming and diving events are part of the Summer Olympic Games and other competitions.