Artistic swimming, a sport renowned for its blend of acrobatics and musicality, is set to return for the 2024 Paris Olympics with notable changes, including a new scoring system and the inclusion of male participants in the team event. Historically, this sport captivated audiences decades ago, originally featuring male athletes before evolving predominantly into a female-dominated discipline. However, the upcoming Olympics marks the reintroduction of men into artistic swimming, specifically in team competitions where a maximum of two men are allowed per eight-member team.

Artistic swimming, as confirmed by World Aquatics, encompasses extreme athleticism, power, strength, endurance, and flexibility, all while performing breath-holding maneuvers. The sport’s roots trace back to the early 20th century, gaining traction in the United States primarily through demonstrations, which ultimately led to its formal inclusion in the Olympic Games at the Los Angeles 1984 event.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature two distinct events: the duet and team competitions. In the duet category, participants will execute both a technical and a free routine, while the team event will incorporate an additional acrobatic routine. Judging criteria include difficulty, synchronization, execution, and artistic impression, demanding athletes to demonstrate exceptional flexibility, strength, attention to detail, and coordination through various movements.

In a significant shift for the sport, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) officially transitioned the name from “synchronized swimming” to “artistic swimming” in 2017, a change intended to reflect the evolution of the sport into a more athletic and artistic expression. Adam Andrasko, the CEO of Artistic Swimming, emphasized this transformation by stating that the new nomenclature showcases the sport’s dynamic nature, moving beyond its previous classification as water ballet.

Those interested in viewing the artistic swimming events during the Olympics can do so from August 5 to August 10, with coverage available on E! and NBC. E! will feature replays while NBC provides live broadcasts. Streaming options are also available through services such as Peacock and Fubo, the latter offering a week-long free trial for new users. Notably, the inaugural event, the Team Technical Routine, is scheduled to commence today at 1:30 p.m. EST.

Team USA comprises accomplished athletes, including Anita Alvarez, Daniella Ramirez, Megumi Field, Jamie Czarkowki, Jacklyn Luu, Audrey Kwon, Keana Hunter, Ruby Remati, and Calista Liu, the Olympic alternate. Mr. Andrasko praised the team’s efforts, acknowledging their dedication and emphasizing the collective support from families, coaches, and the broader community that has contributed to their qualification. Noteworthy among the competitors is Anita Alvarez, who is poised to participate in her third Olympic Games, a distinguished feat only achieved previously by Sarah Josephson.

Furthermore, contenders to watch may include the formidable twin duo of Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi from China, who have demonstrated exceptional prowess at this year’s World Championships and are anticipated to be strong contenders for gold in Paris.

In summary, the 2024 Paris Olympics promises an exciting and redefined experience for artistic swimming, where athletes continue to push the boundaries of athleticism and artistic expression, inviting audiences worldwide to engage with this captivating sport.

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