4(D)(1)(a). Earn the Swimming merit badge first

Optional May not apply Often forgotten

This may not apply to you. You have not answered "Requirement 3(d): which multisport format?" yet. Answer it and this step will either settle or drop off.

An entire other merit badge, and it stands in front of requirements 5 through 8: the training plan, the transitions, the race and the follow-up. Its own counselor, its own blue card, its own swim tests.

Warning. This is an entire other merit badge and it blocks requirements 5 through 8, in the same words as the triathlon option. If you have not earned Swimming and do not intend to, duathlon is the only format that does not need it.

Where this step comes from

Multisport Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2026-01-26), Requirement 4(D)(1)(a) · States the Swimming merit badge as a prerequisite of requirements 5 through 8, in identical words to Option A.

Notes and warnings

Where this step comes from