The recent reduction in swimming times and the improvements in swimming performances have paralleled better training techniques, more accessible swimming facilities, and the increase in swimming coaches. Regular specialized training begins at young ages and continues throughout the entire period of growth of aquatic sport athletes. These advances have led to an increased chronic strain on the elite athlete's musculoskeletal system, which has in turn led to an increase in the incidence of chronic injuries. Literature concerning the chronic injuries of competitive swimmers, such as swimmer's shoulder and/or breaststroker' s knee have been cited (Kennedy, Hawkins, & Krissoff, 1978); however, few reports on chronic injuries of divers, water polo players, and synchronized swimmers are available. This study was designed to determine the incidence and the pattern of chronic injuries among elite comptitive aquatic athletes.
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