Is it more advantageous for a swimmer in a competition to be at the middle lane?

is it easier or faster? i noticed that most of the top placers per swimming event in asian games 2006 at DOHA, most that end up at 1st place are the ones at lane 4, and the ones that end up last are the ones swimming in the outer lanes like 1 and 8. well, nvm that. just answer the question pls hehe, is there a reason behind it? like scientifically or swimmer-wise reasons, like waves, energy, kicking, morale whatever, etc? (e.g. the swimmers around you boost your speed?)