Artistic swimming, previously known as synchronized swimming, was officially included in the Olympics in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games, featuring solo and duet events.
The sport showcases athletes' strength, flexibility, and breath control, as they perform intricate routines to music, all while holding their breath underwater for extended periods.
In artistic swimming, routines are judged based on technical skill, choreography, difficulty, and synchronization, requiring seamless teamwork and precise timing.
The transition from synchronized swimming to artistic swimming occurred in 2017, with the new name better reflecting the sport's blend of athleticism and artistry.
Artistic swimming has two Olympic events: the duet and the team competition, both requiring athletes to execute lifts, spins, and complex formations in unison.
Russia has been a dominant force in Olympic artistic swimming, consistently winning gold medals since 2000, showcasing unparalleled technique and creative routines.
The maximum routine duration in the Olympics is four minutes for the duet and five minutes for the team, with each second above time limits resulting in penalties.
Athletes wear waterproof makeup and costumes designed for minimal drag, ensuring they maintain a polished and expressive appearance throughout their routines.
Olympic artistic swimming routines include a variety of mandatory figures, like the ballet leg and the split, which demonstrate athletes' control and flexibility.
Each team's routine features a technical and free program, with the technical program including specific elements and the free program allowing for creative expression.