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Surprisingly, the first synchronised swimmers were men. At the end of the 19th century actors transferred their dance performances into the water.

Overview

Synchronised swimming - a women's only event - is much-lambasted by ignorant commentators but competitors, whether as a duo or team of eight, perform all manner of exquisite manoeuvres requiring huge lung capacity. Underwater speakers allow competitors to continue their routines while submerged.

Structure

There is a team event (eight teams) and a duet event (16 pairs). Two panels of five judges assess a performance in synchro, one panel scoring technical merit and the other assessing artistic impression.

Qualification

A total of 104 athletes will take part

Venue

National Aquatics Centre

Sporting Life / Reuters