Uploaded February 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
When we normally watch synchronized swimmers, we generally just see the top of the water and their legs twirling about rhythmically. But, thanks to this upside-down view (and this extremely clear water), we can see the swimmers from a whole new angle. And it really shows the amazing skill and grace that goes into this sport.
Instead of recording a synchronized swimming performance from above water, the video below shows us the routine that takes place behind the scenes and beneath the surface. And it happens to be even more mesmerizing than you might have imagined.
But seeing all the coordinated maneuvers that take place beneath the surface and that too upside down leaves us with an even greater appreciation for the skill, strength, and breathing capacity that it takes to make these extremely challenging underwater formations look so beautiful and effortless.
And they’re doing most of these moves upside down, heads pointed at the bottom of the pool. This is where a lot of the challenge comes in. This upside down maneuvering is both physically challenging, and must be done while the swimmers hold their breath. Sometimes swimmers pass out. Mariya Koroleva, one of the US’s swimmers, explained it to the New York Times this way: “It’s like running a sprint for three and a half minutes while periodically holding your breath. It gets pretty scary. Your mind and body get completely numb, and you lose the ability to think because, basically, you don’t have enough oxygen.”
So lets appreciate, encourage and support this sport.
When we normally watch synchronized swimmers, we generally just see the top of the water and their legs twirling about rhythmically. But, thanks to this upside-down view (and this extremely clear water), we can see the swimmers from a whole new angle. And it really shows the amazing skill and grace that goes into this sport.
Instead of recording a synchronized swimming performance from above water, the video below shows us the routine that takes place behind the scenes and beneath the surface. And it happens to be even more mesmerizing than you might have imagined.
But seeing all the coordinated maneuvers that take place beneath the surface and that too upside down leaves us with an even greater appreciation for the skill, strength, and breathing capacity that it takes to make these extremely challenging underwater formations look so beautiful and effortless.
And they’re doing most of these moves upside down, heads pointed at the bottom of the pool. This is where a lot of the challenge comes in. This upside down maneuvering is both physically challenging, and must be done while the swimmers hold their breath. Sometimes swimmers pass out. Mariya Koroleva, one of the US’s swimmers, explained it to the New York Times this way: “It’s like running a sprint for three and a half minutes while periodically holding your breath. It gets pretty scary. Your mind and body get completely numb, and you lose the ability to think because, basically, you don’t have enough oxygen.”
So lets appreciate, encourage and support this sport.
