Synchronized swimming

Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is a highly disciplined aquatic sport.

Athletes perform choreographed routines set to music. They must move in perfect unison with each other and the musical beat. The sport is governed internationally by World Aquatics, which was previously called FINA. In 2017, the International Olympic Committee instructed FINA to rename the sport artistic swimming. This change caused some controversy within the community. The new name has not yet gained universal acceptance beyond the sport's core. Despite the name change, the fundamental requirements of skill and grace remain constant.

Performing a routine requires precise execution of various elements.

Routines last between two and three minutes depending on the competition category. Swimmers must avoid touching the bottom of the pool, or they will receive a penalty. Judges score routines based on execution, artistic impression, and a pre-determined degree of difficulty. Coaches submit a coach card that lists every element in the order it will be performed. If an athlete fails to complete a declared movement, their difficulty score may decrease. This scoring system is similar to the rules used in artistic gymnastics and figure skating.

There are three specific types of elements used in these routines. The first type is the hybrid, which consists of five or more leg movements performed while the head and torso are submerged. Each skill within a hybrid has a specific difficulty value. The second type is the technical required element, or TRE. These are predetermined movements that must be performed in technical routines. While they look like hybrids, they are identical across all routines in a specific category. The third type is the acrobatic element, also known as a lift or a highlight. In these moments, teammates propel a swimmer out of the water.

Acrobatic movements are categorized into four distinct styles. In an airborne movement, the featured swimmer is lifted and disconnects from the support swimmers. A balance movement involves the featured swimmer staying connected to a support swimmer during the exit and entrance. A platform movement uses the support swimmers to create a stable base. This allows the featured swimmer to stay above the water for a longer duration. The fourth type is a combined movement, which uses a mix of these styles. The athlete being lifted is called the flyer, and they often use gymnastics or diving skills. To generate power, the swimmers underneath use an eggbeater kick to lift the flyer.

Competitions are divided into technical and free routines. Technical routines are shorter and focus on technical required elements. They also include free hybrids and acrobatics. Free routines do not include these required elements. This absence allows for much more creativity and innovation in the choreography. Younger competitors often participate in figures competitions instead. In these events, they perform predetermined movements outside of a choreographed routine. This helps build the foundational skills necessary for higher levels of competition.

The history of the sport in the Olympics is quite storied. It was first shown as a demonstration sport at the 1952 Helsinki Games. During those games, officials honored Katherine Curtis by lighting a torch in her name. Synchronized swimming became an official Olympic sport in 1984. From 1984 to 1992, the Games included solo and duet events. These were replaced by team events in 1996. However, the duet competition was restored at the 2000 Olympics. Men have also seen increased inclusion. They competed in mixed duets at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. By the 2024 Olympics, men were finally able to compete in the team event.

To maintain these complex positions, swimmers rely on essential basic skills. Sculling is a vital technique using hand movements to propel or support the body. One common version is the support scull, used to hold the body while upside down. Another essential skill is the eggbeater kick. This form of treading water provides stability and allows the swimmer to rise high. An average eggbeater height reaches the collarbone. Swimmers also use this to perform body boosts, which can raise them to hip level. These skills enable many positions, such as the ballet leg, the flamingo, or the crane.

All these elements combine to create a complex and disciplined art form.