Artistic swimming, originally known as synchronized swimming, emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, combining elements of swimming, dance and gymnastics in aquatic performances. In this article you’ll learn more about the sport and the best artistic swimmers in the world today!
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Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
The practice began in Canada, the United States and some European countries, with the first competition recorded in 1891 in Berlin, Germany.
In the 1930s, the sport gained popularity through water shows in Hollywood, especially due to the performances of swimmer and actress Esther Williams, who popularized the term “water ballet”.
Artistic swimming was officially introduced into sports competitions in the 1950s, and the first World Swimming Championships to include the sport took place in 1973.
In 1984, artistic swimming made its debut as an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles Olympics, initially being an all-female competition.
In 2015, artistic swimming began to include mixed competitions, allowing men and women to take part in duets.
Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
Best artistic swimmers in the world today: rules, disciplines and curiosities
- Competition format: artistic swimming is generally performed in two types of events: solos, duets and teams. Performances can include both technical routines (with compulsory movements) and free routines (where creativity is encouraged).
- Scoring: the judges assess technical execution, difficulty, synchronization, choreography and artistic impression. Each aspect has a specific score, resulting in a final evaluation that determines the ranking.
- Routine times: technical routines last around two to three minutes, while free routines vary from three to four minutes, depending on the discipline.
- Music and choreography: the choice of music is crucial, as the choreography must harmonize with the soundtrack. Creativity and artistic expression are key elements in presentations.
- Physical requirements: in addition to swimming skills, athletes need strength, flexibility, endurance and the ability to hold their breath for long periods while performing complex movements underwater.
Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
Curiosities
- Synchronization: in artistic swimming, swimmers must be completely synchronized with each other and with the music, often practicing for several hours a day to achieve this precision.
- Breathing: during performances, swimmers spend a significant amount of time submerged, requiring advanced breathing control and apnea techniques.
- Uniforms and make-up: swimmers wear bright, colorful uniforms designed to highlight their performances in the water. Make-up is water-resistant and is used to enhance facial expressions, making it easier for judges and the public to see.
Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
Best artistic swimming athletes in the world today – Men
Giorgio Minisini (Italy)
- History: Born in 1996, Giorgio is one of the pioneers of men’s artistic swimming in international competitions.
- Titles: World champion in the mixed duet in 2017 and 2019.
- Fun facts: Minisini was the first man to compete in artistic swimming at the World Swimming Championships and is a strong advocate for the inclusion of men in the sport.
Aleksandr Maltsev (Russia)
- History: Born in 1995, Maltsev began competing in artistic swimming at a young age.
- Titles: several world and European titles in mixed duets, and one of Russia’s most decorated artistic swimmers.
- Fun facts: Maltsev is known for his technical precision and artistic expressiveness, helping to raise the status of men’s artistic swimming on the world stage.
Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
Bill May (United States)
- History: One of the pioneers of men’s artistic swimming, Bill May began competing in the 1990s.
- Titles: first men’s mixed duet world champion in 2015.
- Fun facts: after years of advocating for the inclusion of men in the sport, May finally had the chance to compete officially, becoming a symbol of perseverance in artistic swimming.
Pau Ribes (Spain)
- History: Pau started artistic swimming at a young age and quickly excelled in competitions.
- Titles: medalist in several European and world competitions in mixed duets.
- Fun facts: Ribes is known for his strong partnership with swimmer Gemma Mengual and for his role in promoting men’s artistic swimming in Spain.
Read on to find out about the best artistic swimmers in the world today.
Best artistic swimmers in the world today – Women
Svetlana Romashina (Russia)
- History: Born in 1989, Romashina is one of the most decorated artistic swimmers in history.
- Titles: multiple Olympic gold medals and world titles in solo, duet and team.
- Fun facts: Romashina is known for her impeccable technical precision and her dominant presence in artistic swimming competitions.
Svetlana Kolesnichenko (Russia)
- History: He began his career at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in international competitions.
- Titles: multiple gold medals in world and European championships.
- Fun facts: Kolesnichenko is famous for her expressiveness and ability to perform complex movements with apparent ease.
Yukiko Inui (Japan)
- History: One of the leading figures in artistic swimming in Japan, Inui began competing internationally as a teenager.
- Titles: Olympic and world medalist, known for her refined technique and thrilling performances.
- Fun facts: Inui is one of the few artistic swimmers outside Russia to have won world titles, breaking the Russian domination of the sport.
Ona Carbonell (Spain)
- History: Born in 1990, Ona is one of Spain’s leading artistic swimmers.
- Titles: Olympic and world medalist, with several medals in European competitions.
- Fun facts: Carbonell is known for her creative choreography and her ability to connect emotionally with the audience and judges.
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