The online video commentary on the duet technical competition ("Encore: Duet Prelims") is excellent in explaining and comparing the different elements, requirements, and expertise that the judges are seeking. And since the performances are brief, the competition and commentary move quickly.
The technical portion of a competition requires a brief (2 min. 20 sec.) program with assigned elements that need to be artfully presented by the athletes in whatever order they choose. The speed in which they execute their elements, the synchronization, and the power of their lifts, as well as the coverage of the pool are all considered in the scoring. But the real fun is in the free program! Synchronized swimming has been likened to a gymnast's floor routine performed while holding her breathe. Ahhh, those were the days!
Did you know that synchronized swimming has deep American roots that reach back 100 years? It feels as if it's been that long since I could scull the length of an olympic sized pool underwater!
What a unique blessing that a synchronized swimmer moved to our tiny hometown when I was a pre-teen! What a gift that our teeny hometown had a thriving YMCA. Thanks, Mrs. Hopeman, for coaching and encouraging us! Where is that "Most Improved" trophy that I won? I KNOW it's around here SOMEWHERE! Thanks, Mother for making us develop gills and fins when we could barely walk. Now, if the Turner Center would just fix their pool, I could get back into synchro-shape...
Ha! Ha! ... Please pass the chips, Alisa.
Ha! Ha! ... Please pass the chips, Alisa.
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