The men's underwater swimming was an event on the Swimming at the 1900 Summer Olympics schedule in Paris. It was held on 12 August in the Seine.[1] There were 14 competitors from 4 nations.[1] The event was won by Charles Devendeville of France, with his countryman André Six taking second. Denmark's Peder Lykkeberg took third despite being clearly the best underwater swimmer; he swam in circles though the distance portion of the score was measured in a straight line.[1][2]
Background
The 1900 Games were the only occasion such an event was held.[1] It was not featured at later Olympic games because of lack of spectator appeal.[3][4]
Competition format
The score was given by adding one point for each second and two points for each metre swum underwater.[5] The distance was measured in a straight line from the starting point.[1]
