In the Olympic pools, the aquatic disciplines follow one another without resembling one another: while we all know the 100m and 200m swimming events by heart, in relays or solo, we're less familiar with the other aquatic events presented at theOlympic Games. Artistic swimming (or synchronized swimming, if you prefer), diving or water polo: we explain these water sports that we love to watch, but don't always understand.
Artistic swimming
Artistic swimming made its first appearance at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Known as a particularly feminine discipline, synchronized swimming also features men's events, with the addition of the men's team event for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In a pool 25 m long, 3 m deep and 20 m wide, swimmers are therefore invited to perform a free program and a technical program, combining music, choreography, jumping and synchronization.
Diving
Diving was soon included in the Olympic program, as early as 1904, at the St. Louis Games, for men only. In 1912, the discipline was opened up to women, with two types of event on offer: a jump on the three-meter springboard or, higher up, on the high-flying platform, at a height of 10 meters. Since the 2000s, when duet events were added to the Olympic program, they have been performed individually or synchronized.
Water polo
The sport began to develop in the United States in the 19th century, before arriving in Europe and England in particular, where the discipline was codified to avoid the fights and overly violent methods of play that were customary at the time. Two teams of seven players each compete in 32-minute matches (four periods of eight minutes each). Water polo entered the Olympic program very early, in 1900 for the men. Women were not allowed to compete until a century later, in 2000.
Artistic swimming
The synchronized swimming events will take place from August 5 to 10, 2024, at the Saint-Denis Aquatic Center. You'll find events for duets and teams of eight swimmers:
Diving
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, four events are scheduled, from July 27 to August 10, 2024, at the Saint-Denis Aquatic Center.
Artistic swimming
It is imperative to respect the imposed elements of the technical program; there are no rules as such.
Diving
As for artistic swimming, there are no rules strictly speaking concerning the practice of this discipline.
Waterpolo
With the exception of the goalkeeper, players may only touch the ball with one hand in water polo. Each possession lasts thirty seconds: if the team has not attacked within this time, the ball passes to the opponent.
Artistic swimming
Before 2000, the North American teams (USA and Canada) accounted for half of all Olympic titles. Since 2000, Russia has also taken the lead, with twelve titles since the Sydney Games (2000).
Diving
Historically, the USA has dominated the discipline since the 20th century: now, China has moved into a position of strength at the latest Tokyo Games, winning 12 of the 24 medals at stake in the discipline.
Waterpolo
European countries hold the lion's share of the Olympic medals, especially in the men's competition, with Hungary leading the way. On the women's side, the United States are in the lead, having won the last three tournaments at the 2012, 2016 and 2021 Games.
Location
Olympic Aquatic Center
361 Avenue du Président Wilson
93200 Saint Denis
Official website
www.paris2024.org
