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Author: Daniel Pajuelo

False Myths About Swimming

When someone comes to healthy sports, swimming is often at the top of the list of recommendations. However, for people with certain health conditions, there are important aspects to keep in mind.

As with any sporting activity, it’s advisable to progress gradually.

Benefits of Swimming

When summer arrives, holidays and splashing around usually go hand in hand for many people, whether at the beach or in swimming pools. But it’s worth taking things a step further: the Professional College of Physiotherapists of the Community of Madrid (CPFCM) recommends making the most of the summer period to practise swimming in a healthy way. It can help relieve various ailments and serves as a regular form of exercise.

In fact, it’s advisable to keep up this routine throughout the year using indoor pools, if outdoor swimming isn’t an option. Swimming involves widespread muscular activity, helps build strength, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues and being overweight, among other benefits.

Debunking Common Myths

However, the CPFCM reminds us that while swimming is one of the most recommended sports and can be practised at almost any age, there are certain limitations when it comes to specific conditions (such as respiratory infections, open wounds, or shoulder and knee issues), as well as rules that should be followed to prevent injury.

The physiotherapists of Madrid analyse four common myths about swimming:

“No risk involved.” – False.

It’s true that recreational swimming doesn’t require specific preparation. However, as with any physical activity, you should progress gradually to avoid injury.

You shouldn’t go from being inactive all year to attempting 40 lengths of an Olympic-sized pool on the first day. It’s better to start with, say, 20-minute sessions and gradually increase the swimming volume (duration) day by day, depending on your fitness level.

“It’s a low-impact exercise.” – True, with caveats.

Swimming indeed involves less impact on the joints compared to sports like running. However, swimming for hours every day does have a significant impact – particularly on areas like the shoulder.

This impact isn’t necessarily harmful, and scientific evidence shows that strength training is very beneficial. Again, the key is gradual progression. You only need to take special care when dealing with a specific problem or if acute pain arises; in such cases, you should stop and consult a physiotherapist. In most situations, you can return to exercise once the acute phase has passed.

“There’s a perfect technique.” – Another false myth.

There isn’t a single ideal swimming technique that suits everyone. It depends on each person and their individual condition.

People with certain health issues need to take precautions when swimming and should consult a physiotherapist. Choosing the wrong stroke can worsen an existing problem.

As a general guide, here are the most common musculoskeletal problems in four areas of the body, and which strokes should be avoided in each case:

  • Lower back pain: Avoid breaststroke (which involves prolonged extension) and butterfly (due to forced lumbar extension). Front crawl or backstroke are often better options.
  • Neck pain: Avoid breaststroke and butterfly, as these involve keeping the head extended above water, putting strain on this sensitive area.
  • Shoulder pain: Avoid front crawl and backstroke. Breaststroke is usually preferable as it has less impact on the shoulders.
  • Knee pain: Avoid breaststroke due to the specific kick used, which puts more strain on the joints. The other strokes are generally fine.

“Swimming in the sea is bad.” – False.

Swimming in saltwater isn’t inherently negative – quite the opposite. The salinity actually helps the body float more easily. The technique may need slight adjustments due to the water movement, which is more pronounced than in a pool.

What matters most in this case is safety. You should respect the sea, not fear it. If you’re unfamiliar with a beach, make sure to find out about currents and the sea floor. It’s always safer to swim parallel to the shore in shallow waters and choose beaches with lifeguard services.

If someone plans to swim far from the shore, they should do so with a partner or group, or carry an inflatable safety buoy that makes them visible from a distance – some even have space for a phone in case of emergencies. Even a minor issue like a cramp or muscle strain can become serious if you’re alone far from the shore. Some people also feel dizzy due to the water movement when swimming in the sea.

Pre-Session Preparation

Anyone planning an intense swimming session should take a few minutes beforehand to do proper warm-up exercises – joint mobility work, dynamic stretches, and muscle activation. This will likely help reduce the risk of injury and improve both enjoyment and performance during the session

European Athletics Team Championships 2025: Italy reigns in Madrid as Belgium and Iceland lead the charge in Maribor

Across six action-packed days and two host cities, the 2025 European Athletics Team Championships (ETCH)delivered an electrifying showcase of team spirit, national pride, and elite performances. With the First Division held in Madrid, and both the Second and Third Divisions hosted simultaneously in Maribor, Slovenia, this year’s edition reflected the full scope of European athletics — from powerhouse nations to rising federations making their mark.


🥇 FIRST DIVISION – MADRID: ITALY DEFENDS ITS TITLE IN STYLE

At Madrid’s Estadio Vallehermoso, 16 top-tier national teams battled it out from 26–29 June. Italy retained its crown with a commanding 431.5 points, outpacing Poland (405.5) and Germany (397) in a high-calibre field.

The four-day meet featured standout performances:

  • Femke Bol (Netherlands) smashed the championship record in the women’s 400m with a lightning-fast 49.48 seconds.
  • Miltiadis Tentoglou (Greece) soared to a world-leading 8.46m in the men’s long jump.
  • Young Dutch star Niels Laros took a sensational win in the men’s 5000m, confirming his rise as one of Europe’s brightest distance talents.
  • Poland capped off the event by winning a thrilling mixed 4x400m relay.

At the opposite end of the table, Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania were relegated to the Second Division for 2027, highlighting the unforgiving nature of this fiercely contested format.

(European Athletics)

(European Athletics)


🥈 SECOND DIVISION – MARIBOR: BELGIUM, NORWAY AND SLOVENIA PROMOTED

From 28–29 June, the Poljane Stadium in Maribor hosted a gripping battle for promotion. Belgium emerged victorious with 249.5 points, narrowly ahead of Norway (242) and host nation Slovenia (219.5). All three earned promotion to the top tier in 2027.

Middle-distance events and strong showings in the relays proved decisive for the leading teams. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia fell to the Third Division after multiple events.


🥉 THIRD DIVISION – MARIBOR: ICELAND LEAD THE WAY IN SURPRISE ASCENT

The Third Division, also staged at Maribor’s Poljane Stadium (24–25 June), featured 15 national teams vying for just three promotion spots. Iceland delivered a standout collective performance, topping the table with 212.5 points. They were joined in promotion by Luxembourg and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Star of the weekend was Gina McNamara (Iceland), who claimed gold in both the women’s 800m and 1500m, while also scoring valuable points in the long jump. Malta achieved a national record in the mixed 4x400m relay and secured a historic fifth-place finish overall — a major milestone for the island nation’s athletics programme.


🔄 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION – EUROPE’S ATHLETIC LANDSCAPE SHIFTS

🏆 Division🟢 Promoted🔴 Relegated
First DivisionUkraine, Finland, Lithuania
Second DivisionBelgium, Norway, SloveniaBulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia
Third DivisionIceland, Luxembourg, Bosnia & Herzegovina

🌍 TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS CONFIRM THEIR PLACE IN THE ATHLETICS CALENDAR

The 2025 edition once again highlighted the value of a team-based format in an increasingly individual-focused sport. National depth, tactical balance, and unity across disciplines made the difference — as much as any single standout athlete.

From record-breaking brilliance in Madrid to breakthrough moments in Maribor, the ETCH reaffirmed itself as a unique and vital fixture in the European athletics calendar. With new faces rising and others regrouping, the road to 2027 promises even fiercer battles — and fresh stories to be written.

What Is Olympic Day? The Day Sport Moves the World

Every year on 23rd June, Olympic Day is celebrated across the globe — and it goes far beyond sport. This day invites us to get active, connect with others, and live by the values that make the Olympic Games so unique: respect, friendship, and excellence.

But… do you really know what this day means and why it matters? Let us explain.


📅 What Is Olympic Day and Why Is It Celebrated?

Olympic Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern Olympic Games, first held in 1896 thanks to the vision of French educator Pierre de Coubertin. But it wasn’t until 1948 that the International Olympic Committee proposed creating a special day to celebrate Olympism — a day where everyone, no matter their age or background, could be part of the Olympic spirit.

Since then, more than 150 countries have joined the celebration each year, organising sporting events, cultural activities, educational workshops and fun runs known as “Olympic Day Runs”, open to the public.


🏃‍♀️🏀 More Than Sport: Move Your Body, Mind and Heart

Olympic Day is built on three key pillars that make it meaningful and accessible to all:

  • Move 🏃‍♂️
    Walk, run, swim, dance, play… however you like to move, get your body going. Being active improves your health, boosts your mood, and builds confidence.
  • Learn 📚
    Explore Olympic history, learn about inspiring athletes, and discover how sport unites cultures and breaks down barriers. Learning is part of the Olympic journey.
  • Discover 🧩
    Ever tried a new sport? Olympic Day is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and find something that excites you.

🎯 These three pillars are the foundation of the official Olympic Day motto: “Move, Learn, Discover.”


🌟 Olympic Values: A Guide for Life

Beyond medals and podiums, Olympic Day is about remembering the values that inspire athletes all over the world:

  • Friendship: Connecting with others through mutual respect and teamwork.
  • Respect: For yourself, for others, and for the environment.
  • Excellence: Giving your personal best — not just to win, but to grow.

These values go beyond sport. They can help us become better people at school, at home, and in our communities.


🎤 What Athletes Say

For many Olympians, Olympic Day has special meaning. Some remember it as the day they first discovered the joy of sport.

🗣️ “Olympic Day showed me that sport is for everyone — not just the best. We all have a place,” said Yulimar Rojas, Olympic champion.

🗣️ “When you run alongside others without worrying about who wins, you realise sport is bigger than competition,” shared Eliud Kipchoge, one of the greatest marathon runners in history.


🙌 How Can You Take Part?

The best part? Anyone can join Olympic Day, regardless of age, experience or fitness level. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

  • 🚴‍♀️ Organise a mini Olympic Day run in your school, park or neighbourhood.
  • 🧠 Research Olympic athletes from your country and create a poster or presentation.
  • 🏸 Try out a new sport — even just for fun.
  • 📱 Join the online challenge: post a video of yourself moving or share your story using the hashtag #OlympicDay.
  • 🎨 Create artwork, music or dance inspired by Olympic values.
  • 💬 Invite a local athlete to speak at your school or youth centre.

🌈 It’s not about how big the event is — what matters most is your willingness to take part and connect with others through sport