Ever wonder what really goes on at a swim meet? Picture this: months of early morning practices and endless laps finally paying off as swimmers dive into competition. From the splash and rhythm of butterfly to the lightning-fast freestyle, these athletes put it all on the line in races from quick 50-yard sprints to marathon-like 1,650s. Maybe you’re a swim parent trying to make sense of it all, or a swimmer wanting to get the inside scoop on meet operations – either way, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down everything that makes these events tick.