From a watery stage for smiling Hollywood starlets to a sold-out showcase for dedicated Olympic champions, the discipline of synchronized swimming continues its evolution at the Centennial Olympic Games.
Popularized by the movies of Esther Williams, synchronized swimming earned its first fans as much for its elaborate costumes as its precise techniques. But while the beauty and grace remain important components of the sport, modern synchronized swimming has put the emphasis on athletic talent and physical preparation. To achieve their goals in Atlanta, competitors will spend up to 60 percent of their routines underwater and will be judged on their powerful ability to extend themselves far above the water's surface.
The sport's Olympic format also is evolving. A new event, the team competition, replaces the familiar solo and duet events contested at the Games from 1984 through 1992. Each team consists of 10 athletes eight competitors and two alternates competing in a technical program and free program. But while the format has changed, the top contenders remain the same. The United States and Canada have won all the gold and silver medals awarded since the sport was added to the Olympic Programme in 1984. Likewise, Japan has captured every bronze medal. The three synchro-powers are back for the 1996 Games along with Russia, France, Italy, The People's Republic of China and Mexico.
Requiring a combination of grace, strength and endurance, synchronized swimming has become more athletically demanding and artistically challenging since the movies of Esther Williams. But while the qualities and expectations may have changed, this years Olympians will share at least one characteristic with their Hollywood forerunners. This year's Olympic champions are sure to be all smiles.
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. |