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Synchronised Swimming - Olympics 2012

At the London 2012 Games, the Synchronised Swimming is all about grace under pressure, as swimmers use pinpoint precision and immense stamina to deliver beautiful routines in the pool.

Key facts

Venue: Aquatics Centre – Olympic Park
Dates: Sunday 5 – Friday 10 August 2012
Medal events: 2
Athletes: 104 (all women)

Synchronised Swimming grew out of the ornamental water ballets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which became popular in Europe and the US thanks to pioneers such as Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman. The first competitions were held in the 1930s, five decades before the sport made its Olympic debut in 1984.

Did you know?

Hollywood star Esther Williams performed water ballet in several American movies in the 1940s and 1950s. She hoped to compete in the 1940 Olympic Games, but they were cancelled because of World War II.

Synchronised Swimming began as a sport for men in the 1800s. It is now one of two sports on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Synchronised Swimming is one of two sports on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.

The basics

Although it looks deceptively graceful from the pool side, Synchronised Swimming is an extremely demanding sport calling for great strength, amazing levels of endurance and exceptional flexibility. Swimmers use nose clips to help them stay underwater for longer, but the sport still requires tremendous breath control.

Aided by underwater speakers, pairs of swimmers or teams of eight perform short routines to a musical accompaniment. Judges mark a variety of components during the course of a routine, including choreography, difficulty and execution.

Olympic Synchronised Swimming, past and present

Synchronised Swimming became an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles 1984 Games, with solo and duet events. At London 2012, the Synchronised Swimming competition will take place at the dazzling new Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park, designed by acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid and built especially for the Games.

Jargon buster

Back layout: A position in which the swimmer holds herself flat and face up on the water’s surface while sculling.
Deckwork: The initial movements performed by swimmers after the music starts but before they enter the water.
Eggbeater: A powerful way of treading water that allows the swimmer to perform arm movements while staying afloat.
Scull: Underwater hand movements designed to move and support the body in the pool.

Get involved

If you want to know more about clubs, facilities and coaching schemes in your area, contact British Swimming, Scottish Swimming, Swim Wales, or Swim Ulster. The International Swimming Federation has information on international competition.