The front crawl, also known as freestyle, is a swimming stroke used in competitive swimming. It is characterized by an alternating arm stroke combined with a flutter kick. Swimmers face downwards, using a rapid arm recovery phase and a breathing technique where they turn their head to the side to inhale. This stroke is the fastest and most efficient for competition, allowing athletes to cover distances quickly. In races, the front crawl is typically the preferred choice due to its speed and effectiveness in propelling swimmers through the water.