What happens when two swimmers tie for the last place in the next round?
A · Advanced · The race · 1 of 1If swimmers tie on time for the last place in a semi-final or final, a swim-off between them may be held in events of 200 m or less. In longer events held in a ten-lane pool, two or three tied swimmers are all put into the final, using the spare lanes. Otherwise a swim-off may be held.
How it works
- 200 m or less: "a swim-off between the tied Athletes may be held to determine which Athlete will compete" in the semi-final or the final.
- Longer than 200 m, ten lanes, two tied for eighth: both swim the final. Lane 0 is used, and the two draw for lanes 8 and 0.
- Longer than 200 m, ten lanes, three tied for eighth: all three swim the final, in lanes 8, 0 and 9 by draw.
- More than three tied: a swim-off may be held.
- No ten-lane pool: a swim-off may be held.
- Relays: the rule for events longer than 200 m includes relays.
- Ties in a final: there is no swim-off for medals. Equal times mean equal placing.
Tricky cases
Two swimmers tie for eighth in the semi-finals of the 100 m. What happens?
A swim-off may be held between the two to decide who swims the final.
Two swimmers tie for eighth in the heats of the 400 m in a ten-lane pool. What happens?
Both swim the final. One is drawn into lane 8 and the other into lane 0.
Two swimmers tie for first in a final. Is there a swim-off for the gold medal?
No. Swimmers with equal times have equal placing.
Is a swim-off always held when swimmers tie for the last place?
No. The rule says a swim-off "may" be held. In long events in a ten-lane pool, two or three tied swimmers are all given lanes.
Why the rule exists
A final has a fixed number of lanes, so a tie for the last one has to be broken or made room for. Short races are quick to swim again. A 1500 m is not, which is why the long events use the spare lanes of a ten-lane pool where they can.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | SW 3.3.2; SW 3.4.2 |
| Eight-lane pools | No spare lanes, so long events may also need a swim-off | SW 3.4.2.5 |
| Ties in the final | Shared placing | SW 11.1.2 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Two: Swimming Rules (in force as from February 2026), Articles 3.3.2, 3.4.2 and 11.1.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).