Synchronized swimming is a sport that requires accurate execution of figures and movements to the music. An ideal performance should combine the beauty of form and content. Olympic competitions are designed for 185 minutes. Teams of eight athletes compete. Judges give marks for the artistry and complexity of the program.
Synchronized swimming: history
This sport is currently exclusively female, although men used to be “art swimmers”. Round dance was popular in Europe in the twentieth century. In a number of countries, a solemn march was performed to the accompaniment of a brass band. When rebuilding, it was necessary to form geometric figures on the surface of the body of water.
These performances attracted the public, so they began to hold team competitions, the participants of which could be both men and women. At the same time, there are competitions of rescue societies, whose members perform acrobatic exercises. Subsequently, these figures became the basis for synchronized swimming.
In Russia
We also had water holidays. The performances involved the execution of figures on the surface and in the depths of the pool. The competitions were attended by women and men. Synchronized swimming became popular in the 30s of the twentieth century, when groups of 4-16 athletes showed plane "ornaments", and then sailed along different paths, observing a clear system.
After the war, independent figure swimming teams appear.
- In 1957, an exhibition performance of the largest group for students and youth took place.
- In 1961, the official championship of Moscow was held.
- In 1969, synchronized swimming was included in the Moscow calendar of sporting events.
- In 1968, standards and discharge requirements were approved.
- In 1977, the All-Union Commission was created.
- Since 1986, our athletes began to participate in the World Cup.
Synchronized swimming: technique
Girls play two sets of awards (team competitions, duets). Performances consist of obligatory (technical) and arbitrary (long) programs. The requirements are very stringent, determined every four years. Athletes perform music in strict order to the music. For each action, teams are given fifty seconds, duets - twenty seconds.
For an arbitrary program create a single composition and include complex elements. Synchronized swimming covers the entire pool. You can change the pace, include unexpected patterns and movements. The free program lasts four minutes for duets, for teams - five minutes.
Evaluate synchronism, correct execution, complexity. Athletes must move clearly and confidently, in concert. Artistry, sensuality of performance, and also the correspondence of music to the performed exercises are taken into account.
Pool
The water area should be at least 20 * 30 meters in size, while a three-meter depth is needed on an area of 12 * 12 meters. The optimum water temperature is 26 degrees. The pool should be transparent to the bottom - this ensures visibility for evaluating the elements.