All About Artistic Swimming At The 2024 Olympics

Artistic swimming, born from the fusion of water acrobatics and music, initially included men in its early contests before becoming predominantly associated with women. Originating with demonstrations in the United States during the early 20th century, the discipline gained traction and saw the organization of its first official competitions. At the Olympic Games, artistic swimming features two main events: duet and team competitions. Duet routines comprise both technical and free performances, while the team event incorporates an additional acrobatic routine. Competitions unfold in a 30m by 20m area within a pool with a minimum depth of 3 meters.

Judges evaluate routines based on several criteria: difficulty, synchronization, execution, and artistic impression. Athletes must demonstrate exceptional flexibility, power, attention to detail, and coordination. Movements often involve propelling out of the water for certain maneuvers or executing pivots with the upper body submerged.

Artistic swimming showcases a blend of athleticism and artistry, requiring athletes to seamlessly merge technical precision with expressive flair. As the sport continues to evolve, its athletes push the boundaries of physical capability and creative expression in synchronized aquatic performance.

Artistic swimming debuted as an Olympic sport at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. In a historic development at the Paris 2024 Olympics, male athletes will participate for the first time in the team event, marking a significant expansion of the sport's inclusivity on the Olympic stage.

Initially, the USA and Canada were formidable competitors in artistic swimming, collectively earning 17 medals, including eight golds. However, since the Sydney 2000 Games, the Russian Olympic Committee has emerged as the dominant force in the sport, securing an impressive streak of 12 consecutive gold medals. Their consistent success has elevated them to the top among National Olympic Committees in artistic swimming, showcasing their prowess and sustained excellence in synchronized aquatic performance.