Artistic Swimming vs Synchronized Swimming: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard the terms artistic swimming and synchronized swimming used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? Not quite. Here's what changed, why it matters, and how it affects athletes and fans.
What Is Artistic Swimming?
Artistic swimming is a sport that combines swimming, dance, and gymnastics — performed in water to music. Athletes perform choreographed routines solo, in duets, or in teams.
Why the Name Change?
In 2017, FINA (currently, World Aquatics), the international governing body for aquatic sports, officially changed the name from synchronized swimming to artistic swimming. Reasons for the change:
- To align the sport more with others like artistic gymnastics.
- To emphasize creativity, interpretation, and artistic elements over mere synchronization.
- To broaden the appeal and remove outdated perceptions.
Key Differences: Then vs Now
Is It a Different Sport Now?
Not exactly — the core techniques remain the same, but artistic swimming places greater weight on creativity and originality, not just identical movement.
What Does This Mean for Swimmers?
- Choreography matters more. Unique routines are rewarded.
- Musicality is crucial. Judges expect interpretation of rhythm and mood.
- Men are welcome. Mixed duets and male artistic swimmers are growing fast.
- Scoring is more detailed. New systems score difficulty, execution, and artistry separately.
Artistic swimming is more than a name change — it's a modern evolution of a classic sport. With broader inclusivity and a stronger focus on performance art, it's more exciting than ever.
