True or False

When I tell people I am a synchronized swimming coach, they usually have a lot of questions. Below I have compiled a list of some of the most common questions and misunderstood facts about synchronized swimming!


Synchronized swimmers push off the bottom of the pool.

Synchronized swimmers are not allowed to touch the bottom or the side of the pool, otherwise a 2 point penalty is awarded. Even if a swimmer touched by accident!

Synchronized swimmers can hear their music underwater.

Synchronized swimmers use special underwater speakers to allow them to stay synchronized when they are upside down!

Synchronized swimmers have their bathing suits customized.

Synchronized swimmers have their suits specially designed and hand sewn by a talented seamstress for each routine. Suits are never reused and cost on average between $250 - $350!

Synchronized swimmers spend next to no time training because the sport is so easy.

Top level synchronized swimmers spend an average of 30 hours per week training. They also train 5 other sports to make them exceptional at their own. These other sports include competitive swimming, diving, ballet, water polo and gymnastics.

Only females can be synchronized swimming.

Up until the last few years only females could compete in synchronized swimming. Although men are still not allowed to compete at the olympics, there is a new event called 'Mixed Duet' which is recognized by FINA (the governing body of all water sports) allowing men to compete in the sport.

Synchronized swimming is always one of the first sports to sell out at the Olympics.

Are you even surprised? Because it is such an artistic sport, you don't need to know much about the rules to enjoy it!

Synchronized swimmers are part dolphin so they can breath under water.

It is true that synchronized swimmers can hold their breath for long periods of time. On average a high level synchronized swimmer can hold their breath for 90 seconds while moving their legs high out of the water. They can also swim 3 laps of the pool (75m) without coming up for air! But they are definitely not part dolphin!

Synchronized swimming is a contact sport.

Despite its elegant outer appearance, synchronized swimming IS a contact sport. Because of how close together the girls swim in their routine, it is very common for them to kick and scratch one another. Sometimes even when girls are thrown out of the water, if it is not executed perfectly, the flyer could land on top of one of her teammates which could result in concussions and in some cases broken bones!