The first recorded Olympic breaststroke was over 200 meters won by British swimmer Frederick Holman in 3 minutes 9.2 seconds another British swimmer William Robinson was second.

For most young children breaststroke is the most challenging stroke to learn. Breaststroke is challenging because the kick requires dorsi flexion of the foot not plantar flexion which is used in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly. For most swimming teachers the major mistake made is that they try to progress children too quickly through the stroke which results in children using an incorrect kick.

The Laurie Lawrence method of teaching breaststroke focuses on isolating the kicking and pulling skills so that quick, efficient and correct mastery of breaststroke is achieved.