Home : London Olympics 2012 Venues : Synchronised Swimming at the Aquatics Centre (Olympic Park)

Synchronised Swimming Venue

Aquatics Centre (Olympic Park)

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. 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.

Key facts

Sport: Diving, Swimming, Synchronised Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Modern Pentathlon
Location: South-east corner of the Olympic Park
New or existing: New
Permanent or temporary: Permanent venue, with temporary extension during the Games.
Number of events: 192

About the Aquatics Centre

Construction on the Aquatics Centre began in 2008. It will be the ‘gateway’ to the Olympic Park, with more than two-thirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue.

The venue was designed by acclaimed international architect Zaha Hadid. It features a spectacular wave-like roof that is 160m long and up to 80m wide, giving it a longer single span than Heathrow Terminal 5.
During the Games

The majority of spectators will be seated in two temporary wings that will be taken down after the Games.

It will have a 50m competition pool, a 25m competition diving pool, a 50m warm-up pool and a ‘dry’ warm-up area for divers. The Water Polo competition will be held next to it in the temporary Water Polo Arena, with competition and warm-up pools.

The two venues will be close to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. To make the best use of the space available, some back-of-house facilities, such as space for broadcasters, catering and security will be shared between the two venues so they run as efficiently as possible.
After the Games

The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. The two temporary wings will be removed, although it will be possible to increase the capacity for major competitions.

The Aquatics Centre will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe, alongside a new public plaza in front of the building.

Construction was completed on the Aquatics Centre in July 2011.