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Olympic Games

OLYMPIC GAMES | ARTISTIC SWIMMING

Tokyo Olympics 2021: synchronized swimming schedule: dates, times, trials, events

With various categories for us to enjoy, find out when you need to tune into the action to be amazed by the artistry, timing, agility and strength.

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(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 17, 2019 Spain's Ona Carbonell competes in the solo free artistic swimming final during the 2019 World Championships at Yeomju Gymnasium in Gwangju. - Spanish swimmer Ona Carbonell, a double Olympic medallist, has been faced with a difficult dilemma before travelling to Tokyo: to compete in her third Olympic Games or to stay at home with Kai, her baby under one year who is still being breastfed, and who will not be able to accompany her to Japan due to harsh sanitary restrictions imposed by the Japanese authorities to prevent the spread of covid-19. (Photo by FranxE7ois-Xavier MARIT / AFP)
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In synchronized swimming (formally known as 'artistic swimming'), there are two routines that the teams must undertake to the rhythm of the music. The first is the technical routine, which includes designated moves and a maximum duration of two minutes and 50 seconds. The other is the free routine, which we delve into further below.

Olympic Games news:

Before we do, let's have a glance at the schedule of what is taking place at the Tokyo Aquatic Center...

Synchronized swimming: the Olympic schedule

The synchronized swimming competition of the Tokyo Olympic Games begins on 2 August and sees the medals handed out on 7 August. Here is how the various elements are split out (all times ET USA):

Synchronized swimming schedule:

  • Monday 2 August, 6:30 am - Free Duet Preliminary
  • Tuesday 3 August, 6:30 am - Technical Duet
  • Wednesday 4 August, 6:30 am - Free Duet Final (medals)
  • Friday 6 August, 6:30 am - Technical Team
  • Saturday 7 August, 6:30 am - Free Team (medals)

Synchronized swimming free routine

This test has a duration of three to four minutes, is performed to music and the scoring is based on difficulty, technique and choreography.

Scoring

In the free routine, a panel of judges decides on a score based on execution, synchronization and difficulty. Another panel scores on choreography, musical interpretation and presentation. The third and last panel scores for difficulty.

As for penalties, one point is subtracted for exceeding the time limit and two for touching the bottom of the pool. Yes, when the swimmers fire up above the surface it's all water-generated!

Differences with the technical routine

As its name suggest, in the free routine there is more freedom in relation to the creation of the choreography and there is no need to perform any compulsory movements. But for that same reason, it may be more difficult than the technical routine (which requires five designated moves), as a high level of creativity and mastery must be shown.

Rules of the free routine

Swimmers are not permitted to wear transparent clothing in competition and they are not allowed to be out of the water for more than 10 seconds.

In addition to that, as mentioned above, athletes will be penalised if they touch the bottom or the edges of the pool. These measures apply to both the free routine and the technical routine.