Artistic swimming was first introduced as an Olympic sport at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. In the sport, swimmers are judged on how well they execute their routines, synchronize with teammates, handle difficulty, and integrate music and choreography. Success in this sport requires incredible flexibility, coordination, and a keen eye for detail.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, we’re treated to an array of captivating artistic swimming performances, with the U.S. Team delivering one of the most outstanding showcases.
The U.S. artistic swimming team made waves in Paris with their unique routine set to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” The eight swimmers executed a synchronized moonwalk, moving backward upside down with their feet emerging from the water, perfectly in sync with the iconic hit.
Although the judges weren’t overly impressed, the performance won over social media, where fans praised the creative choreography. Finally, the US Team got silver, which ended a 14-year drought for the US in the event, formerly known as synchronized swimming. This was their first medal in the competition since the 2004 Athens Games.
For those who might not know, the U.S. team hadn’t competed in the Olympics since 2008, but under the direction of coach Andrea Fuentes, they’ve made a triumphant return to the global stage. Americans have every reason to be proud of them.
“There is attention to the sport that has never happened before,” said Adam Andrasko, head of USA Artistic Swimming. “This is an absolutely different sport.”
While the familiar smiles, makeup, and hair gelatin remain, this isn’t the water ballet of yesteryear. The U.S. Artistic Swimming Team’s underwater moonwalk quickly gained viral fame online, earning praise from viewers worldwide.
An X user wrote, “I am once again reminding everyone that Artistic Swimming is the most underrated and underappreciated OF Olympic sports. THEY LITERALLY MOONWALKED UPSIDE DOWN!”
A person shared feeling on Instagram, saying, “Amazing!! My first time watching the entire competition and yall did not disappoint! I loved it!”