Imagine holding your breath for what feels like an eternity, not in silent stillness, but while performing a series of acrobatic and dance-like movements, all in perfect time with music you can only hear through the water. Now imagine doing this in perfect unison with a team of other athletes, your bodies creating stunning patterns and telling a story without words. This is the incredible world of artistic swimming, one of the most demanding and breathtakingly beautiful sports you’ll see at the Olympic Games. It’s a sport that combines the grace of a ballet dancer, the power of a gymnast, and the aquatic prowess of a world-class swimmer. Formerly known as synchronized swimming, this sport has undergone a quiet revolution, and is now more athletic, more challenging, and more exciting than ever before. So, get ready to dive in and discover the secrets of this amazing underwater performance.
Artistic swimming is a unique blend of athleticism and artistry, where swimmers perform choreographed routines to music. The main objective is to create a seamless and synchronized performance that showcases strength, flexibility, and endurance. The sport has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it was often called “water ballet.” Early performances were more about creating pretty patterns in the water, but the sport quickly evolved to incorporate more athletic and gymnastic movements. It was first introduced to the Olympics as a demonstration sport at the 1952 Helsinki Games and became a full medal sport in 1984. The sport was officially renamed from synchronized swimming to artistic swimming in 2017 to better reflect the incredible athleticism and artistry involved. It is a popular sport around the world, with powerhouse nations like Russia, China, and Spain dominating the podium in recent years. The United States, which was a dominant force in the early years of the sport, is making a comeback, qualifying for the team event in the 2024 Paris Olympics for the first time in 16 years. The sport’s governing body replaced the name synchronized swimming with artistic swimming in 2017.
The equipment for artistic swimming is deceptively simple. The most important piece of equipment is, of course, the swimsuit. These are not your average one-pieces; they are specially designed to allow for a full range of motion while also being durable enough to withstand the rigors of the sport. They are often brightly colored and elaborately decorated to match the theme of the routine. Another crucial piece of equipment is the nose clip, which prevents water from going up the swimmers’ noses while they are upside down underwater. Goggles are also essential for training and for some parts of the competition. The “arena” for artistic swimming is a pool that is at least 3 meters deep, 20 meters wide, and 30 meters long. This allows the swimmers to perform their lifts and intricate underwater movements without touching the bottom. One of the most fascinating pieces of technology used in artistic swimming is the underwater speaker system. These speakers allow the swimmers to hear the music clearly while they are submerged, which is essential for staying synchronized with each other and with the music. While the equipment may seem minimal, the cost of training, coaching, and competition travel can be significant. Safety is also a major concern, and swimmers undergo rigorous training to build up the lung capacity and physical strength needed to perform the demanding routines safely.
Rules Made Simple
How to Play
An artistic swimming routine is a carefully choreographed performance that combines swimming, gymnastics, and dance. The routines are performed in teams of eight, in duets, or, more recently, in mixed duets with one male and one female swimmer. The performance begins with the swimmers walking onto the pool deck in their elaborate swimsuits, which are part of the overall artistic impression. Once in the water, the swimmers have ten seconds to get into their starting position before the music begins. From that moment on, it’s a whirlwind of non-stop action. The swimmers move through a series of “figures,” which are specific body positions and transitions, and “hybrids,” which are more complex combinations of movements. They also perform incredible “acrobatic” movements, where swimmers are lifted and thrown out of the water in spectacular displays of strength and coordination. The entire routine is performed without touching the bottom of the pool, and the swimmers must rely on their own strength and technique to stay afloat and in sync.
Scoring
The scoring system in artistic swimming has recently undergone a major overhaul to make it more objective and transparent. The new system, which is similar to the scoring in sports like gymnastics and diving, is based on a declared difficulty score and an execution score. Before the competition, each team submits a “coach card” that details all the planned movements in their routine and their corresponding difficulty values. The judges then assess the execution of each movement, awarding points based on how well the swimmers perform the declared skills. There are two panels of judges: one that assesses technical execution and another that evaluates artistic impression. The technical panel focuses on the precision, synchronization, and difficulty of the movements, while the artistic impression panel looks at the choreography, musicality, and overall performance. The new official name has yet to gain general acceptance beyond the core of the sport.
Key Rules
There are several key rules that all artistic swimmers must follow. One of the most important is that swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool during a routine. If they do, they will receive a penalty. Another key rule is that swimmers must perform the movements in the order they are listed on their coach card. Any deviation from the declared routine can result in a deduction. There are also strict rules about the swimsuits and makeup that can be worn, as well as the type of music that can be used. For example, the music must be instrumental only, with no vocals. Penalties are also given for things like a lack of synchronization, wobbly lifts, or a fall during an acrobatic movement.
Game Format
An artistic swimming competition typically consists of two or three phases: the technical routine, the free routine, and in some competitions, the acrobatic routine. In the technical routine, all teams must perform a set of required elements in a specific order. This allows the judges to compare the technical skills of the swimmers on a level playing field. The free routine is where the swimmers can really let their creativity shine. They can choose their own music, choreography, and theme, and the focus is on artistic impression and innovation. The acrobatic routine, a new addition to the sport, is a shorter routine that is all about the high-flying lifts and throws. The scores from each routine are combined to determine the final rankings and the winners.
Essential Terms
- Boost: A rapid, head-first ascent out of the water, with the swimmer’s body as high and as vertical as possible.
- Cadence: The speed and rhythm of the movements in a routine.
- Eggbeater: A powerful leg kick that allows swimmers to stay upright in the water with their hands free to perform movements.
- Figure: A specific body position or transition, such as a “ballet leg” or a “fishtail.”
- Hybrid: A combination of figures and transitions, creating a more complex and seamless sequence of movements.
- Lift: A movement where one or more swimmers are lifted out of the water by their teammates.
- Scull: A hand movement used to propel the body through the water and to maintain stability.
- Synchronization: The ability of the swimmers to perform the same movements at the same time.
Why It’s Exciting
Artistic swimming is a sport that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The combination of incredible athleticism, breathtaking artistry, and nail-biting suspense makes it one of the most captivating events at the Olympic Games. One of the most thrilling things to watch for is the “boost,” where a swimmer propels themselves out of the water with incredible power and grace. The acrobatic lifts are also a highlight, with swimmers being thrown several feet into the air in spectacular displays of strength and teamwork. The sport has also had its share of famous rivalries, such as the long-standing battle between Russia and Spain for the top spot on the podium. And with the return of the US team to the Olympic team event and the inclusion of men for the first time in the team event in 2024, this year’s competition is sure to be full of drama and excitement.
Artistic swimming is a sport that is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the water. It is a testament to the incredible strength, dedication, and artistry of the athletes who compete in this demanding sport. So, when you tune in to the Olympic Games, be sure to catch the artistic swimming competition. You’ll be amazed by the incredible feats of athleticism and the stunning beauty of this unique and captivating sport.