Swimming

Front:
KTIMORE JUN 11 29 1992 Olympics 233 1992 MD

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SWIMMING First Day of Issue: June 11, 1992 First Issue Location: Baltimore, Maryland Early Greek and Roman civilizations incorporated swim- ming lessons into boys' elementary educations and into martial training for their soldiers. Many wealthy Romans swam for fitness and recreation in their own indoor or outdoor pools. Swimming races were held in Japan as early as 100 B.C., and by the 17th century, swimming was a compulsory subject in Japanese schools. During the Dark and Middle Ages, most people believed that swimming and bathing transmitted diseases, and thus avoided water al- most completely. But by the 17th century, many European countries boasted spas and watering places which enabled patrons to reap the therapeutic benefits of relaxing swims. In 1846 Australia hosted the first swimming competition, and soon amateur swimming clubs and federations dotted Europe and the United States. The reinstituted Olympic Games of 1896 included men's swimming events, and women's swimming events debuted at the 1912 Summer Games. During the 20th century, American athletes such as Mark Spitz and Janet Evans have dominated the sport. No. 92-19 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection ©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Tom McNeely Teetwood