The Unique World of Olympic Artistic Swimming

The Art and Athleticism of Olympic Artistic Swimming

Being an artistic swimmer at the Olympics requires a unique combination of attributes: the grace of a dancer, the flexibility of a gymnast, and the remarkable lung capacity of a deep-sea diver. One of the most surprising elements of this intricate sport is the use of gelatin, which is dissolved in water and meticulously applied to the hair, akin to a heavy-duty shellac. This might come as a shock to those unfamiliar with the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each performance. “It can be a significant source of stress if bits of your hair start to fall out mid-routine or if your headpiece comes loose,” explained Claire Scheffel, a Canadian artistic swimmer. “We need everything to stay perfectly in place.”

Artistic swimming is arguably one of the most flamboyant and unconventional sports featured in the Olympic Games. This unique discipline is a captivating fusion of ballet, swimming, and gymnastics, all performed to dramatic music with dazzling theatrical flair. Athletes don sparkly swimsuits and adopt exaggerated facial expressions that enhance their performances. The sport was officially included in the Olympics in 1984, originally under the name synchronized swimming.

Despite its visual appeal and the skill required, artistic swimming has often found itself defending its status as a legitimate sport. The struggle for recognition reached a low point in 1984 when comedians Martin Short and Harry Shearer parodied the sport on “Saturday Night Live,” showcasing a pair of synchronically challenged swimmers—one of whom couldn’t swim at all. For those involved in the sport, recalling that skit can be a serious conversational faux pas.

In an effort to expand its audience and increase the athleticism of performances, the sport underwent a rebranding in 2017, officially adopting the name artistic swimming. This change aimed to highlight the rigorous training and exceptional skill required, distinguishing it from the often one-dimensional perceptions held by the public.

• Unique combination of skills: Dance, gymnastics, and diving.
• Creative routines: Melding various artistic elements.
• Challenges faced: Hair and makeup issues during performances.
• Rebranding: Transitioning from synchronized swimming to artistic swimming.