Synchronized swimming is an extension of the sports discipline that takes place within different water surfaces -swimming-. However, for many, it goes beyond a sport and they consider it as a mixture of art, harmony, beauty, and, of lifeguard course, sports practice.
It is also usually recognized as artistic swimming or synchronized swimming due to the high degree of coordination that must exist in each of its practitioners. Are you curious and want to know more about this discipline? Next, we will show you everything you need to know.
history of synchronized swimming
The first records of synchronized swimming were presented in 1892. In England, artistic events called "water ballet " were held. However, it was only in the following century that the birth of this discipline was affirmed.
At the beginning of the 20th century, development continued simultaneously in various countries of the world. Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, Spain, and France were the main nations that affected synchronized swimming.
However, at that time it was recognized as "ornamental swimming ", which focused on the male gender. Despite the marked predominance of men, the female modality was not long in coming to stay.
In the 1930s, the first mention of synchronized swimming appeared. In this way, the "Modern Mermaids" event held at the Chicago World's Fair and organized by Katherine Curtis was presented.
Without a doubt, it was an event that marked the history of this discipline, especially in the United States. In that country, the actress and swimmer Esther Williams was in charge of promoting synchronized swimming, giving it great value and importance in the North American nation.
On the other hand, the International Swimming Federation FINA accepted synchronized swimming as a sport in 1952, twelve years after having drawn up its first regulations.
During that time, this discipline took place at the 1948 (London) and 1952 (Helsinki) Olympic Games as an exhibition sport. In 1984, in Los Angeles, synchronized swimming became an official Olympic sport.
Types of competitions
Within this discipline, three types of official competitions stand out: individual, duets, and team exhibitions. Each athlete should focus on the type that fits the most and dedicate themselves to improving on it.
individual
The athlete must create a routine that includes various basic positions; These must be carried out within the regulatory water surface and must have a high content of creativity.
duos
This type of competition is much more striking than the individual one since it requires greater coordination and harmony. It is allowed to carry the partner and artistic work between both athletes is sought.
team exhibitions
The complexity regarding this type is much higher. In this case, there are eight athletes who must work in perfect harmony and coordination, despite not performing the same figures.
Most used figures or positions
This discipline is understood by various positions or basic figures, which are considered a fundamental point of synchronized swimming. From these, the competition routines are elaborated and must be developed in the best possible way.
Stretched: it is performed on the back and face down with the body fully stretched.
Ballet leg: this position can be performed on one leg or two; it is also carried out on the surface of the pool or within the depths.
Vertical: Regarding the stretched position, it is executed vertically. The rest of the figure has the body located fully extended.
Front and back pike: In both pike positions, the body should be bent at the hips. From the front, the angle is 90 degrees and from the back, the flexion increases to 45 degrees. The rest of the body must remain aligned.
There are many other figures that can be used in synchronized swimming. Despite this, those exposed above are among the most used in this discipline.
Synchronized swimming: more than a sport
People who are fully dedicated to practicing this discipline say that it goes far beyond a sport. If you stop to analyze it, they may be right because it focuses on coordination, the harmony of movements, and dance.
If you really want to get to know a different field that is linked to swimming, try to give this discipline a chance. Know it and practice it regularly with American Lifeguard Training.
0 Comments