Participating in artistic swimming at the Olympics demands not only the elegance of a dancer but also the flexibility of a gymnast and the lung power of a deep-sea diver. One of the unconventional yet crucial tools in this sport is a large packet of gelatin, which athletes dissolve in water and apply to their hair like a strong adhesive.
“It can be quite stressful if strands of hair begin to loosen or if your headpiece becomes dislodged,” explained Claire Scheffel, a Canadian artistic swimmer, highlighting the importance of this solidified gelatin in ensuring that every aspect of their elaborate hair and makeup routines remains intact. “We really need to keep it all in place.”
Artistic swimming is renowned for being one of the most visually stunning and unique sports featured in the Olympic Games. It is a captivating blend of ballet, swimming, and gymnastics, performed to dramatic music with a level of theatricality reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil. Athletes don glittering swimsuits and adopt expressive facial expressions that enhance their performances. This sport was officially included in the Olympics in 1984, originally under the name synchronized swimming.
Despite its visual appeal, artistic swimming has continually faced the challenge of legitimizing itself as a true sport in the eyes of the public. A particularly low point in this ongoing battle for recognition occurred that same year, when comedians Martin Short and Harry Shearer portrayed incompetent synchronized swimmers on “Saturday Night Live,” with one character even lacking the ability to swim. For those involved in the sport, recalling that skit is often considered taboo, as it evokes a mix of frustration and disbelief.
In an effort to enhance its image and underscore the athleticism inherent in the routines, the sport underwent a rebranding in 2017, adopting the name artistic swimming. This change aimed to broaden its appeal and emphasize the rigorous training and skill required to excel in this demanding discipline.
