synchronized swimming, also called water ballet, exhibition swimming in which the movements of one or more swimmers are synchronized with a musical accompaniment. Because of a similarity to dance, it is sometimes called water ballet, especially in theatrical situations.
What is the objective of synchronized swimming?
The objective of the sport is to ensure all members of the team make the exact same movements which also flawlessly blends with the music, without their legs ever touching the floor. The sport has different formats of competitions based on the number of athletes performing the routine.
What is synchronized swimming called?
If you’ve been watching the Olympics, you may have noticed that synchronized swimming has a new name. In July 2017, the International Swimming Federation, or FINA, announced that the sport would be called “artistic swimming,” effective immediately.
How does Synchronised swimming work?
There are four main categories of synchronised swimming competition: Solos – where an individual swimmer will synchronise with the music. Duets – where a swimmer co-ordinates with their partner and in time to the music. Teams – where the swimmer co-ordinates with up to seven other athletes and in time to the music.
What are the traits that can be develop in a synchronized swimming?
Synchronised swimming demands advanced water skills, great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and precise timing, as well as exceptional breath control when upside down underwater. Competitors show off their strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance required to perform difficult routines.
How popular is synchronized swimming?
Synchronized swimming has captured the attention of sports spectators worldwide, and today it ranks among the most popular of amateur sporting events, with sell-outs in all Olympic Games. The sport is widely practiced in over 50 countries with competitive programs on every continent.
How do Synchronised swimmers hear the music?
Synchronised swimmers can hear the music underwater through underwater speakers that are connected to the main sound system above the water. … A test on all the Olympic sports before the London 2012 Olympic Games concluded that synchronised swimmers ranked second only to long distance runners in aerobic capacity!
Who won the synchronized swimming?
TOKYO, Aug 7 (Reuters) – With a high-powered, tightly-swum routine, Svetlana Romashina claimed a seventh Olympic gold medal with her Russian team as they won the synchronised swimming final on Saturday to continue a golden run stretching back to the 2000 Sydney Games.
Why is synchronized swimming called artistic swimming?
Many athletes believe the name “artistic swimming” actually demeans the amazing skills of those who perform precise, grueling moves — often while upside down and holding their breath — by rekindling the sport’s origins as water ballet, which was more show than competition.
What is called synchronization?
Synchronization is the coordination of events to operate a system in unison. For example, the conductor of an orchestra keeps the orchestra synchronized or in time. Systems that operate with all parts in synchrony are said to be synchronous or in sync—and those that are not are asynchronous.
How do Synchronised swimmers breathe?
Most swimmers opt for nose clips to help with holding their breath. … Some swimmers can hold their breath for more than three minutes, but most synchro routines require no more than one minute of continuous breath-holding. Cover up.
How did synchronized swimming start?
The origins of synchronised swimming came about from life-saving and swimming techniques. It expanded as a sport when ornamental swimming and theatrical water ballets were popularised at the end of the 19th century. … The first synchronised swimming competitions took place in Berlin in 1891 and London in 1892.
Can you touch the bottom of the pool in synchronized swimming?
Synchronized swimmers do not touch the bottom of the pool during a routine. It is against the rules, and a two-point deduction will be given if they do. The water is a minimum of nine feet deep. … In a five-minute routine, a synchronized swimmer may spend up to a minute underwater without coming up for air.
Why do synchronized swimmers make funny faces?
The concentration needed during these events often causes athletes to make some wild faces. As the swimmers in the photos above dance through a choreographed routine, their faces stretch and contort into grimaces and funny shapes as they gasp for air between bright smiles.