Does the heats count in swimming?

Question

Michael Phelps was doing a heat and i was wondering if the heats count because he was in second.?

Answer 1

The heats only count to slim down the field of athletes in the semi-finals or finals. Many times, a swimmer like Phelps will come in second so that he doesn't wear himself out. The times don't count for medals. It's a tactical decision, when you're swimming so often, and sometimes so close together (The closest in this Olympics between swims for Phelps was, I think, something like 25 minutes).

Answer 2

I think heats are used only to eliminate athlete with slower time until they reach the quota for the final round. only the final counts.

Answer 3

Your times in the semi-finals  will decide whether you get into the final and which lane you will swim in. Those with the best four fastest times will be given lanes 3 to 6, and the slowest two will take lanes 1 and 8.  

Answer 4

they don't count for medals, but count for placing in the final round where they do get medals