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AQuettes
W h a t i s S y n c h r o ?
Synchronized swimming is an Olympic sport that is popular throughout the world. A soloist, duet, trio, or team of up to 8 people performs a routine which can be 2-5 minutes long in the water, synchronizing with their selection of music. The swimmers execute elaborate movements with their arms and legs while using methods like treading water and “sculling” to keep them high out of the water. The team event requires the athletes to perform lifts and throws within their routine. The swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool or any of the side walls, but must begin their routines on the pool deck and enter into the water shortly after their music begins. The swimmers are judged on two things: technical merit and artistic impression. It is important for the swimmers to make everything look effortless and enjoyable, as they are trying to impress a team of judges sitting and observing around the pool deck.
Synchronized swimmers are able to compete in a maximum of 3 of the events listed above. Junior (15-18-year-olds), age group, intermediate, and novice swimmers are required to perform in another competition called figures, which is an individual event that is worth 50% of the routine score. Senior swimmers are required to compete in tech routines, which are shorter routines that require the completion of elements in a specific order, and act in a similar way as figures.
Training comprises many aspects of both land and water. Speed swimming, stretching and flexibility, and running are all important parts of a synchronized swimmer’s training. They are often very well-rounded athletes.
Synchro is a fun and rewarding sport that keeps kids in great shape and teaches them how to be leaders as well as ultimate team players! They get to travel and meet people from all over the world. Many go on to do synchronized swimming in college, train on a national team, or perform in professional watershows such as O and Le Reve in Las Vegas.
Want to learn more? Click here to visit the official USA Synchro website!