African Americans Make Strokes in Swimming

by Tanisha Coleman (BPRW)

Swimming is one of the most relaxing forms of recreation there is. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a full body workout, while getting in some R&R at the same time. The cool refreshing water can feel so good on your skin, especially during the summer. That’s why it’s not surprising that many African Americans can be found on the beach or in the pool making strokes in swimming. The most common strokes utilized are the breaststroke, side stroke, and dog paddle. It’s all a part of the overall fun in the sun.

When it comes to competitive swimming, however, the ultimate goal is to be the fastest to swim a given distance. Swimming is a popular event at the Summer Olympic Games, where male and female athletes compete in 13 of the recognized events each. The latest star is Cullen Jones, a virtual shoo-in for the U.S. 2008 Olympic Team in the sprint freestyle events.

Despite the popularity of swimming, a 2000 CDC study about self-reported swimming ability found that among racial groups, African Americans reported the most limited swimming ability. It was furthermore discovered that between 2000 and 2004, the fatal unintentional drowning rate for African Americans overall was 1.3 times that of whites.

Nevertheless, African Americans are making strokes in swimming and there is a rich heritage of African American swimmers. This was illustrated in the movie about an African American swim team, entitled PRIDE, which was based on a true story.

So, whether enjoying recreational or competitive swimming, we will most likely continue to see African Americans making a splash!