About Synchronised Swimming

Synchronised swimming is an Olympic sport often described as "dance in the water”, which is developed from water ballet.

Sessions are devoted to working on 'figures' - the set body positions and transition movements which form the basis of synchro. Most figures (moves) are completed up-side-down. Landwork sessions include working on flexibility, strength and weight training, also creating, walking through and learning routines, listening to music and so on.

Synchro is performed in solos, duets, trios or team. It is performed as a routine to music and in separate figures. Synchro is marked in two sections:Technical merit: how the swimmers rate in correctness of figures and in time. Artistic Expression: choreography and music.

The pool where synchronised swimming takes place must be at least 3m deep over a 12x12m area in the centre of the pool. A clip on the swimmer’s nose, which prevents an intake of water through the nostrils, makes it possible for the athlete to stay underwater longer; the use of hair gelatine and make-up helps hair to stay in place and highlights the athletes’ features respectively; underwater speakers transmit the music into the pool, helping the swimmers to keep their synchronisation while under water.

Synchro was first introduced in the Olympics in 1984. The USA, Canada and Russia have all claimed gold while Japan and France have shared in silver and bronze medals. It is one of only three Olympic disciplines in which only women are allowed to compete (the other two being Rhythmic gymnastics and Softball). Synchro is also now accepted internationally as a spectator sport, being one of the first events to sell out at the Olympic games.