At the second modern Olympic Games contested in Paris in 1900, the most unusual event to be held was underwater swimming. It was decided prior to the competition that two points would be awarded for each meter swum underwater. In addition, one point was added to the scoring of each individual for every second he stayed below the surface. Much to the delight of the locals, Frenchman Charles de Venderville won the event swimming 60 meters and staying submerged for 1min 8.4sec. Denmark's Peder Lykkeberg stayed underwater for a longer period, one and a half minutes, but only managed to travel 28.5 meters. This was the first and only time underwater swimming was held at the Olympic Games.
"The Germ" would rule this event.
Very interesting. That would be a neat event to watch if it still existed.
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