A competitive swimmer is an athlete who participates in swimming races at various levels, from local meets to international competitions. They train rigorously to improve their speed, technique, and endurance in the water. Competitive swimming includes different strokes, such as freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke, and events can vary in distance. Swimmers often compete in teams or as individuals, and they may represent schools, clubs, or national teams. Competitions are held in various formats, including short course and long course events, and swimmers are typically classified by age and gender.