Synchronized Swimming:
n. A sport in which swimmers, singly or in groups, perform dancelike movements often in time with music.

Synchronized swimming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics, consisting of swimmers (either individuals, duets, teams, or combos) performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music.

Synchronized swimming demands advanced water skills, and requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and precise timing, as well as exceptional breath control when upside down underwater. Developed in the early 1900s in Canada, it is a sport performed exclusively by women. In its early form it was sometimes known as "water ballet" so is not the case now.

This sport is very unique, and somewhat unheard of within athletics. It is a truely amazing sport that does not get the recognition that it deserves. All the women involved work very hard to make a very difficult sport look easy. All of which is done with a flashy swimsuit, some waterproof make-up, hair knoxed, and a smile on their faces.

To learn more about the history of synchronized swimming in the U.S. visit: USASynchro.org