A striking performance of skill and grace, the sport of synchronized swimming requires incredible conditioning, elegance and split-second timing.
Two routines comprise the competition. The technical routine accounts for 35 percent of the competition while the free routine constitutes 65 percent of the final score. The routines are evaluated separately on artistic impression and technical merit on a scale of 110 with one-tenth point increments.
Two separate five-judge panels evaluate the routines with one panel judging technical merit and the other judging artistic impression. After eliminating the highest and lowest of each panel's five scores, the average of the remaining three scores is multiplied by six for technical merit and four for artistic merit. The two scores are then added together to produce the score for the routine.
Technical merit scores are based on execution, synchronization (between athletes and with the music) and difficulty.
In execution, judges look for correct body positions and total extension throughout the entire routine as well as the perfection of swimming strokes, propulsion techniques, transitions, and precision of patterns. Synchronization includes the ability of swimmers to precisely match one another and to move with the music. Difficulty encompasses complexity of movements, strength required, length of time for each movement (particularly underwater), placement of difficult elements in the routine, complexity of pattern changes and synchronization, as well as the amount of airborne weight extended above the water surface.
Choreography, music interpretation and manner of presentation are the three components of the artistic impression score. Choreography is judged on the variety and creativity of movement transitions, fluidity, patterns and pool usage and how all of these components are used to create a unified routine. Music interpretation includes the dynamics and rhythms of the selection in addition to the use of movement to interpret the mood and feeling of the music. Manner of presentation is evaluated by the swimmer's total command of their performance. Poise, confidence and energy level all contribute to the swimmer's ability to mesmerize the audience and judges throughout their routine.
Like the compulsory routines in gymnastics and the "short program" in figure skating, the technical routine tests competitors with a series of required movements or elements. Two minutes and 50 seconds in length, technical routines consists of seven elements performed in a precise order.
According to FINA, all movements "shall be executed high and controlled, in uniform motion, with each section clearly defined." Teams also may include other movements in their technical routines. In addition to the required movements, each routine has a prescribed time limit, including 10 seconds for deckwork prior to entering the water, and a defined distance in the pool that must be traveled. Synchronization is not only required with the music but also between the athletes. In addition, several types of propulsion other than sculling (movement or support technique using the hands and forearms) are required in technical routines. An Eggbeater (traveling forward or sideways with both arms out of the water at the same time) must be included.
Considered the showcase event of synchronized swimming, the 5-minute free routines allow competitors to display their most creative and expressive movements and positions. Nothing specific is required, except the length of the program. Some of the most spectacular moves are the high lifts performed in deep water without the benefit of pushing off from the bottom of the pool.
Although exhausted after spending up to 60 percent of their routine underwater, the best teams will perform an impressive sequence as a routine concludes.
One of the most impressive aspects of technical and free routines is the ease with which the athletes appear to be performing. All smiles and grace above the water's surface, athletes work extremely hard underwater, kicking and using the arms below the surface without ever being able to touch the bottom of the pool. Making a difficult routine appear effortless is an important aspect of performance in the eyes of the judges. The United States, Canada, Japan, France and Russia are among the traditional powers on the international level, but athletes in 90 countries and all five continents compete in the sport.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for
the Olympic Games Sports Publication Department. Written by Howard
Thomas.
| The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts. |