Preparing to be awe-inspired at the Olympics

If watching the Olympics means enjoying events that blow you away because of the sheer athleticism, immense control, strength and amazing agility exhibited by the participants, then don’t miss the synchronised swimming, particularly the team competition.

I’ve heard the arguments that synchro shouldn’t be at the Olympics because it isn’t a true “sport”. I counter that with the comment that if synchro shouldn’t be there, then neither should gymnastics (rhythmic or artistic); diving (individual and synchronised); or figure skating (at the Winter Games) — all three immensely popular events.

Synchro combines elements of each of those three disciplines — and then demands a whole lot more. As the Olympic organisation points out: “It looks like perhaps the most effortless event in the Olympic Games, but there is more to synchronised swimming than what appears on the surface. Besides demanding strength, endurance, flexibility, grace and artistry, it requires exceptional breath control.”

I’ve obviously never participated in synchro as a swimmer, but I did serve as chairman and secretary of the Central Gauteng Synchronised Swimming Board a few years ago and I saw, first-hand, just how much discipline and dedication it takes to execute even the most simple synchro figure. At Olympic level, the effort demanded of the participants is second to no other Olympic sport.

Look at the way those swimmers are able to support two-thirds of their bodies above the surface while floating around in 3m of water — it simply defies the laws of physics. Remember, no part of their bodies — not even a toe — can touch the floor of the pool. Could you do it without bobbing up and down like a drunk — and keep that smile intact? And could you do it, without sinking, while supporting one of your teammates above your head?

Now imagine doing it again and again, but with head down, hips and legs out the water — all supported only by your arms (again no floor to provide support). And while your arms are working overtime to keep your body balanced, your legs have to execute precision movements in time to the music and the entire team’s movements. Could you keep that up for a minute or two (or three) and come up without spluttering and gasping for air?

I read somewhere that completing a four-minute synchronised swimming routine demands the same level of fitness as swimming a fast 400m individual medley — one of the most exhausting events in swimming. I can’t confirm or dispute that, but I can certainly imagine it.

But in addition to the strength, agility and lung capacity required merely to execute the required figures, the swimmers also have to be totally in tune with the music and each other. Every movement has to be a mirror image of every swimmer in the team — in every respect. Imagine the immense concentration required to get it right!

While we, the spectators, are treated to the graceful beauty of the above-water show, the use of the underwater camera gives insight into the organised chaos that is going on below the surface.

I’m in two minds about the use of the underwater camera during the routines — it detracts from the overall spectacle. However, it does show just how hard those swimmers are working to make it all seem so effortless.

So, for those who don’t regard synchro as a true sport, perhaps the underwater cameras should stay. For me — I’m just preparing to be awestruck as I watch the above-surface spectacle.

Because our South African synchronised swimmers did not qualify for the Olympics, I’ll not be supporting any particular team. But I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the Russians, the current gold medal holders — and I hear the Spanish hope to cause an upset.