The United States and Canada won every gold and silver medal in the first four Olympic competitions, but their leading swimmers retired after Atlanta. Russia and Japan emerged as the new leaders at the world championships two years ago. Swimmers have to hold their breaths for long periods, with up to 60 percent of their routine performed underwater. Synchronized swimming consists of technical and free routine competitions, accounting for 35 percent and 65 percent of the final score, respectively. For the technical portion, swimmers perform specified moves, which include twirls, thrusts, boosts and rockets, without touching the bottom of the pool.
Judges look for height, synchronization and degree of difficulty.
Nose guards to keep out water, gel to keep hair in place and underwater speakers to hear the music. Eight teams also will compete. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Information are applicable to this site.