By Staff
waterhead.com
October 5, 2011

Synchronized swimming goes back as far as 1907 when an Australian woman named Annette Kellerman started performing what they called an underwater ballerina. When word spread about this fascinating dancing under water, a water ballet club was formed at the University of Chicago that performed tricks and floating formations. Ever so fittingly, the club, now called the Modern Mermaids, performed at the World’s Fair in Chicago.

By 1941, the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) takes on synchronized swimming as an official competitive sport. Finally, in 1951, the U.S. and Canada teams showed their skills at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. The water sport spread throughout Canada and Mexico and the II Pam American Games in Mexico City had the first synchro official competition with the US easily sweeping the competition. In the late 50’s, stunts were added to the sport. Interestingly, the sport did not become an official Olympic Competition until 1984 and remained open to only solo and duet performers until 1992 when the team division was added.

Many do not realize the strength, flexibility, endurance, and grace needed during a successful routine. Precise timing with music is also required and exceptional breath control while being upside down underwater. Synchronized swimming is elaborate to say the least and can be done in solo, as duets, trios, or teams. Here are some of the movements recognized as basic for synchronized swimming:

• Sculls-hand movements used to lift the body and considered the most essential part of the choreography

• Eggbeater Kick-basically treading water that adds stability and the ability to be above the water to free the hands for other strokes

• Lifts-swimmers utilize the eggbeater to boost teammates out of the water

There are parts to lifts that make the movement successful:

• The Flyer-this lift is usually performed by the smallest member of the team preferably with a gymnastics background

• The Base-Also performed by a smaller swimmer with strong leg strength and a solid core

• The Pushers-usually bigger and stronger members of the team

There are three types of lifts that are named the platform lift, the stack lift, and the throw. There are hundreds of other terms and moves incorporated into synchronized swimming ranging from basic to extremely complicated. A routine typically lasts from 2 ½ minutes to 5 minutes. The routines are scored on a scale of 100 with 50% of the score dedicated to artistic abilities and 50% dedicated to technicalities. Swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool at anytime during a routine, even those that are thrown in the air.

Moving on to apparel for synchronized swimming, many individuals prefer to wear nose clips and//or ear plugs to prevent water from entering either opening. Goggles can be worn during practice, but they are not allowed in competition. Each swimmer wears a headpiece and swimwear that are usually elaborately decorated and reflect the routine and type of music in competition. Makeup is also worn and the eyes are usually emphasized for a more dramatic effect. Women use a product called Knox gelatin to keep their hair in place. Although the swimmers are well put together, they are not scored on clothing or makeup, but a team will lose points if a headpiece falls off during competition. There is a head referee that monitors the routines during competition.

Synchronized swimming is a sport that is closed to men in Olympic and World Championship competition, but there are other avenues in the competition that are open to men. USA and Canada allow men to compete with women along with most European competition. France even has some all male competitions and male competitors are steadily growing.

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