Swimming at the Olympics: What to Watch For

Simone Manuel failed to qualify in the 100 meter freestyle event she won four years ago but will swim the 50 meter freestyle.Credit...Hiroko Masuike/The New York TimesLike most years, we dive into the Olympics by diving into the pool. Swimming dominates the first week of the games. Expect some familiar faces and some new ones, many of them Americans, on the medals stand.

Competition gets underway on Saturday night, July 24, in Tokyo, which is Saturday morning in the United States. Competition continues every day until the evening of Saturday, July 31, U.S. time.

How does the meet work?

For most events, competitors swim heats, with the top 16 times qualifying for the semifinals. The eight…