Swimming has been an Olympic sport since the first iteration of the Games back in 1896, but the aquatic events have not always looked the same as they do today.
Aside from the obvious changes like the switch from open water to pools and the inclusion of female swimmers, there was one event in the early years of the Olympics that is often forgotten about these days: the 200-meter obstacle race.
The 200 obstacle event was only featured in one Olympics, making its first and last appearance at the 1900 Games, and has all but fallen into obscurity by now.
The swimming event saw competitors tackle three obstacles spaced out along the course; they first had to climb over a pole, then proceeded to climb over a row of boats before swimming under another row of boats.
Conducted in a semifinal and final format over two days, the race took place in the Seine River, meaning competitors had to contend with a strong current as an unofficial fourth obstacle. The only competitors in the field at the 1900 Olympics were men, as women did not begin swimming at the Olympics until 1912.
Only 12 individuals competed in the event, with Australia’s Frederick Lane taking home the gold medal in a time of 2:38.40.
The event was discontinued after the Paris Games and is one of four swimming events to be canceled after only one appearance, along with the 100-meter swim for sailors, the underwater swim and the plunge for distance.
