Synchronized swimming
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A hybrid of swimming, gymnastics, and ballet, synchronized swimming involves competitors (either individuals or teams) performing aesthetically pleasing and difficult movements while holding their breath and keeping afloat in water.
Synchronized swimming is an Olympic sport open to women since 1984, but not open to men, which combines the qualities of gymnastics and ice dance, but is performed in an extremely difficult and challenging medium.
There is an organization called USA Synchro that allows men to compete along with the women.
Competitors point to the strength, flexibility, and endurance required to perform difficult routines.
Competition Preparation
Competitors when performing routines will typically wear a noseclip. Hair is worn in a bun high on the head and held in place with Knox gelatin. Routines typically last 2-4:30 minutes, in either solos, duets, trios, or teams. Swimmers are synchronized both to each other and to the music. Only duets and teams may compete at the Olympic Games. During a routine swimmers cannot use the bottom of the pool for support, but rather depend on skulling motions to keep afloat.
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ca:Natació sincronitzada
de:Synchronschwimmen
et:Kujundujumine
ja:シンクロナイズドスイミング
pl:Pływanie synchroniczne
pt:Natação sincronizada
zh-cn:花样游泳
fr:Natation synchronisée