Swimming
The rise and development of swimming as
a sport activity resulted from the needs provoked by the Industrial Revolution and urbanization at the end of the 19th century. This development began in England and spread to the European continent, to America and finally all over the world.
Open Water
Although open water swimming in sea, river, lake and so on have only recently appeared in FINA Rules, swimming in open water is by definition an old sport. One only has to think back to the competition of the very first Olympic Games which took place in the harbour of Pireus.
Other example: cross channel swimming has always been an inspiring challenge.
Water Polo
The origins of water polo can be traced to east India, where British army officers experimented with the «pulu» ball game on horseback. From there, polo was brought to Europe and was played as rugby and finally as football in the water to become water polo - and was practised in rivers and lakes. Originally, a pig's stomach bladder was used as the ball, but as this burst easily, it was soon replaced by a rubber ball.
