How do we know? Tests done at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.
For a routine of 3 minutes or so, the athletes spend at least half of it under water and upside down. They not only have to hold their breath but have to ensure they have enough oxygen and control to be able to perform the highly challenging sequence of moves apparently effortlessly.
I find this seriously impressive, especially now I've seen it at close range.
Did you know that Synchro actually began as a male sport in the 1800s? Now only women can compete at the Olympics, Commonwealths and Worlds. Men can now only enter open competitions.
In Gloucester on Saturday we were treated to an exhibition piece by a young Italian man called Giorgio, performing to a medley of Michael Jackson hits. Nobody would have called his performance fluffy and his choreography mirrored several of the King of Pop’s signature moves, including an upside down moonwalk.
Synchro first became an Olympic sport in 1984 in Los Angeles. Synchronised Swimming is one of only two Olympic disciplines in which only women can compete (the other being rhythmic gymnastics).
For more on the history of the sport, check out the IOC website
Required elements include such moves as the egg beater, flamingo and submarine ballet leg. The BBC has a great guide including explanations of the various moves.
And on top of serious athleticism and a graceful interpretation of their music, synchronised swimmers also have to synchronise with one another – far from easy when you're not allowed to wear goggles and you're spending most of your time upside down in a chlorinated swimming pool.
So I encourage anyone still thinking synchronised swimming isn't a serious sport to go along to a competition or even have a go yourself -
