At first glance, artistic swimming is a discipline that combines gymnastics with dancing and swimming. And athletes go beyond being just a pretty face in bright, colorful clothes. In addition to performing movements to the rhythm of the music, the swimmers also need to have resistance, strength and flexibility, and many hours of training to achieve maximum coordination among the members of the group.
we, from awesome.clubwe want to show you 12 curiosities about the routine and training of these professional athletes, whose sport requires enormous discipline.
1. Athletes carry additional nose clips
For athletes, inhaling water while performing the sequence is really uncomfortable. And even though the swimsuits are tight, they manage to hide a spare nose clip or two in them in case the ones being worn fall off during competition, which is quite common during a performance.
2. Some swimmers wear contact lenses to keep from crying
One professional athlete commented that due to the chlorine and mixing of chemicals used in pools to keep them in top condition, swimmers’ eyes become irritated and watery. To avoid this discomfort, they often wear contact lenses to protect themselves.
3. At the Olympic Games there are no mixed categories of artistic swimming
Until now, synchronized swimming at the Olympics has been exclusive to women. There is no mixed category, as in 1941 it was believed that men had a physical advantage in the water over women. Thus, this idea was distancing men from this modality all over the world.
4. Athletes’ fingernails and toenails cannot stand out during competition
Although the swimmers use bright colors in their clothes and hairstyles, which are taken into account in the evaluation, the nails must remain natural during competitions. They cannot wear nail polish that matches or highlights their swimsuit, as this could deduct points or be a reason for a penalty.
5. Makeup is essential when presenting the sequence, but it should be as discreet and natural as possible
The use of makeup allows the judges and the public to better see the swimmers’ faces, as they are farther away from them. It also scores points for the overall performance, and while it’s a vital part of the show, it should be as natural as possible. No exaggerated makeup or accessories, as they distract the attention of the judges during the presentation.
6. In a competition it is important to maintain the required number of swimmers in the team so as not to lose points
Generally, teams must have eight female swimmers; however, the minimum number of participants is four. For each swimmer less than the full team, the team loses points. This is because it’s easier to sync fewer people in a sequence.
7. Swimmers also sweat, and a lot
The sweat glands in our body are activated when we perform body movements or exercises, regardless of whether we are in the water or not. This is because the body temperature starts to rise. So underwater you can sweat as much or more than when you run or ride a bike.
8. Swimmers’ maneuvers are more difficult when they are closer to the surface of the water
9. The best material for synchronized swimming athletes’ clothing is polyester
All elements of the clothing are responsible for allowing the athletes to perform their sequence in the best possible way. And the best material for this is polyester, because it offers good support and better body mobility in the water.
10. The rules are strict: anything that could distract the judges’ attention is not welcome
As part of an artistic sport, whose appearance influences the final score, synchronized swimmers must follow strict rules that prohibit overly revealing swimwear or anything else that might distract the judges’ attention, including tattoos and lip fillers.
11. Keeping a smiling expression during the performance defines part of the score in the final evaluation
According to former professional swimmer Gemma Mengual, if athletes look tired or aren’t smiling while performing exercises, judges can punish them. Therefore, interpretation is essential.
12. Free performance before jumping into the water also earns points
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