breathing

Question
I am going to be a senior in high school and am starting my senior project. I have been swimming for as long as I can remember and racing competitively all 3 (so far) years of high school. I love it. Anyway, I have a question about breathing. I know that breathing slows you down, but getting the oxygen helps you go faster. What point does the effects of not breathing hinder your performance and not help? Not breathing for a 25 is quicker than breathing every 3 strokes. What length does breathing every 3 (or 5 or however often) strokes make you go faster then nto breathing? Any answer would be greatly apperciated.
Jake

Answer
Jake--
You're right in that getting oxygen is very important, but the number of times a swimmer breathes depends on the individual athlete and how they are trained.  Most athletes will go about 100 meters breathing less than every 5 or more strokes, but i've seen olympic caliber athletes breath every stroke in a 100 meter event. I would say between 100 and 150 meters is where you will see the need to breathe more increase.  The longer the event, the more important it is to get oxygen early to make sure the muscles stay oxygenated for the duration.
I hope this helps sorry It took so long.
George