What’s the difference between synchronized swimming, artistic swimming, and water ballet? The sport of synchronized swimming was renamed to artistic swimming in 2017, but many people still colloquially refer to the sport as synchronized swimming. Artistic swimming is a competitive Olympic sport, and water ballet is a more general term to describe artistic movements done in the water.

Here are some key facts about artistic swimming at the Olympics (source):

Artistic swimming was added to the Olympic program in 1984. It is one of two women’s-only events and features a duet and a team competition with eight swimmers.

Swimmers in both events complete a “free” routine and a “technical” routine, with judges scoring them from 0-100. The duet and team combined final scores determine the winner. Swimmers must not touch the sides or bottom of the pool. In duet and team competition, swimmers move in tandem with each other to create acrobatic patterns and execute lifts.

Once known as “water ballet,” artistic swimming is judged not only on skill and athleticism but grace and style. The degree of difficulty in a routine also affects the scoring. Each routine can last from 2-1/2 to five minutes and is set to music playing above and below the water.

As we look forward to the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, check out some of our favorite artistic swimming photos from years past.

Team Australia at the London 2012 Olympics featuring ‘Lillies Frankie Owen, Olia Burtaev, Jenny-Lyn Anderson, Bianca Hammett, Sarah Bombell, Samantha Reid, and Eloise Amberger.

Team Canada Duet at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, featuring ‘Lilly Isabelle Blanchet-Rampling.

Team France Duet at the Rio 2016 Olympics featuring ‘Lillies Margaux Chretien and Laura Augé.

Team Spain at the London 2012 Olympics featuring ‘Lilly Marga Crespí.