About U.S. Synchronized Swimming
Since synchronized swimming began in the early 1900s, spectators have been awed by the grace and power of this exciting sport, which requires a unique combination of overall body strength and agility, grace and beauty, split-second timing, musical interpretation, and dramatic flair.
Officially first recognized by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in 1945, the inaugural synchronized swimming U.S. National Championships were held in 1946. A few years later, the 1955 Pan American Games included synchronized swimming events, and the World Aquatic Championships soon followed. After almost 40 years of concerted effort, synchronized swimming was at last included in the Olympic Games in 1984, with the United States winning the first solo and duet Olympic gold medals.
There are three events currently recognized internationally in synchronized swimming: solo, duet and team (eight swimmers). The competitive rules and manner of judging are similar to such sports as figure skating and gymnastics. Although in previous Olympics, the solo and duet events have been held, the team competition now replaces these events starting in 1996.
Synchronized swimming has captured the attention of sports spectators worldwide, and today it ranks among the most popular of amateur sporting events, with sell-outs in all Olympic Games. The sport is widely practiced in over 50 countries with competitive programs on every continent. In the last ten years, the sport has experienced unparalleled growth to include more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials, participating in over 200 clubs across the country.
U.S. Synchronized Swimming, also known as Synchro Swimming USA, was established in 1977, and is the United States national governing body for the sport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, — the United States Olympic Committee and FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur) —the international governing federation.
A non-profit organization, Synchro Swimming USA’s mission is to provide leadership and resources for the promotion and growth of synchronized swimming, to achieve competitive excellence at all levels and to develop broad-based participation. This includes:
- Developing and administering programs and competitions throughout the 58 synchronized swimming associations nationwide;
- Selecting and training the teams that represent the United States in international competition, including the Pan American and Olympic Games;
- Sanctioning all levels of competition in the United States;
- Providing financial assistance to potential Olympians who would not otherwise be able to maintain the training program required for successful international competition;
- Establishing the curricula to train and certify coaches, officials and athletes on all competitive levels.
To maintain a winning tradition, U.S. Synchronized Swimming organizes, participates in and promotes a variety of competitive events each year. These events begin at the local level and continue in the following categories: Age Group, Junior and Senior.
Major International Events:
- Olympic Games
- World Aquatic Championships
- FINA World Cup
- Pan American Games
Major National Events:
Olympic Trials
Members of the U.S. National Team, team trials finalists and other qualified athletes compete in the sport's most prestigious event. Held prior to the Olympic Games, these top swimmers compete for coveted positions on the U.S. Olympic Team.
U.S. National Team Trials
Held annually, the nations top swimmers vie for spots on one of three U.S. National Teams that represent the United States in major international competitions, including the Pan American Games and World Championships.
Jantzen National Championships
The most important event of the year for the elite synchro swimmer, this competition serves as the launching pad for athletes to pursue competitive opportunities in the international arena, and to become eligible to compete in the U.S. National Team Trials.
U.S. Junior Championships
This annual event attracts a blend of elite and promising young athletes. The high caliber competition is open to junior athletes only (aged 14 to 17 years). Competitors in this event become eligible to compete in the U.S. National Team Trials.
U.S. Collegiate Championships
This crucial meet provides opportunities for athletes to pursue their interest in synchronized swimming while completing a higher education, and to become eligible to compete in the U.S. National Team Trials.
U.S. Open
This open summer competition allows top-level swimmers to compete for national titles, and qualify for the U.S. National Team Trials.
U.S. Age Group Championships
This competition is an important link to the overall growth of synchronized swimming by providing many young swimmers with their first exposure to national competition. Competitors from ages 12 to 19 vie for national titles, and become eligible to compete in the U.S. National Junior Team Trials.
U.S. Junior Olympic Championships
This Championship closes out the season for many swimmers ages 14 to 19 years. It provides a national competition for the sport's developing swimmers within their age group categories.
U.S. Masters Championships
This annual fall event provides an opportunity for mature athletes to enjoy the competitive spirit of the sport. Ages of the competitors range from 20 to 85 years.
U.S. Synchronized Swimming's funding comes from a variety of sources including: membership fees, USOC funding, special fund raising events, corporate sponsorship and corporate, private and public donations.
Aside from basic operating and promotional expenses, funds received by USSS go to support synchronized swimming's Olympic hopefuls, to offset their training and travel expenses, and to other synchronized swimming programs.
All members of the Board of Directors and officials at USSS sanctioned events volunteer their time and personal resources.
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