second & the second

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a few questions about definite article "the"
1. "Swimming is second in importance only to track and field events."
Why don't we add "the" in front of "second"? as follows,
"Swimming is the second in importance only to track and field events."

2. "My neighbor asked me to go for a walk, but I dont think I've got the energy." In this sentence , can we omitted "the"?

3."Do you know the English for "搭“？ I'm afraid I don't. I'm not interested in the English." Can "the" be omitted?