Synchronized Swimming at The Olympics
Synchronized Swimming was introduced as a competitive sport in the Olympics for the very first time, in Los Angeles in 1984. As the name suggests, the sport involves a group of swimmers performing an elaborate synchronized routine of dance, gymnastics and swimming, accompanied by music.
What makes this sport so awe inspiring? Each routine comprises of elaborate moves in the water which demand advanced swimming skills, timing and exceptional breath control under water. Each competitor requires tremendous flexibility, strength and aerobic endurance to perform these routines.
The most impressive part of the routine is the ‘lift’ where a group of swimmers lift or throw another swimmer out of the water in perfect synchronization with each other and the music. During a routine, swimmers can never use the bottom of the pool for support.
The teams are then judged on the basis of their technical skill, patterns, expression and synchronization.
The swimmers wear colorful costumes with elaborately decorated hair pieces and heavy make up to portray their emotions. Underwater speakers ensure that the music can be heard at all times to enable perfect synchronization.
Synchronized swimming is a great delight to watch as it involves the perfect mix of grace, endurance, artistry and precision.
