Abstract: Based on the modeling of dynamics and energy conversion in competitive swimming, the optimal control theory was used to make an optimization analysis of the distance traveled in a given time. Using the records of the 27th Olympics and the results from previous research, an optimal solution of propulsion was derived using some hypotheses and constraints. Correspondingly, the optimal tactic for velocity and energy was put forward which was in agreement with the practice.

Key words: competitive swimming, energy, optimization, propulsion