This past week, a Texas family suffered a heartbreaking loss when their four-year-old son succumbed to a suspected (though not officially confirmed) case of secondary drowning—a condition in which inhaled water causes fluid to build up in a person’s lungs. In these cases, death can occur hours after a child goes swimming. Such fatalities are extremely rare, but knowing the causes and symptoms can help put parents’ minds at ease—and help you act fast if something isn’t right.
Michael Phelps sat alone, thoroughly exhausted. He put his head in his hands and then motioned at his neck as though he had nothing left to give.
His work was done.
He had his 20th and 21st gold medals.
What does it take to be an Olympic gold medalist? WIRED takes in-depth look at the mechanics behind the athletes featuring Connor Dwyer, Elizabeth Biesel, Matt Grevers, Nathan Adrian, Rayler Clary, and Ryan Lochte.
For the typical elementary school swimmer, being able to dog paddle in the pool is an accomplishment. But 10-year-old Alzain Tareq isn’t your typical elementary school swimmer.