1896 - The return of the modern Olympics saw four swimming events, only for men: the 100 meter, 500 meter, and 1200 meter freestyle plus the sailors 100 meter freestyle. Alfréd Hajós of Hungary won the 100 meter and 1200 meter events.
1900 - The Paris Olympics had seven men's swimming events, including a 200 meter obstacle swim and underwater swimming. For the obstacle swim, the swimmers had to climb over or under poles and boats. The underwater swim gave one point for each second underwater and two points for each meter swam while underwater.
1904 - The St. Louis Olympics had 9 swimming events for men. This was the first and only time that the Olympic swimmers raced in yards. This was also the first time a USA swimmer earned Olympic swimming medals.
1908 The London games had 6 races for men: 100, 400, and 1500 meter freestyle, 100 meter backstroke, 200 meter breaststroke, and the 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay. Great Britain won gold in 4 of the events.
