Synchronized swimming in Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics marks significant milestones for artistic swimming, including the U.S. team's first participation in the event since 2008 and the inclusion of men in the team event for the first time, though no male competitors are present this year. Artistic swimming has evolved with new regulations emphasizing technical difficulty over artistry, reshaping competition dynamics, especially after the exclusion of Russian teams, which had dominated the sport. Vicki Valosik's new book highlights the history of women's participation in the sport, while athletes like Daniella Ramirez seek to combat stereotypes that trivialize the sport's athleticism. As the sport gains recognition, figures like Bill May exemplify the push for inclusion of male competitors, having faced historical challenges in a female-dominated field. The upcoming games promise to challenge traditional perceptions and showcase the sport's strategic depth amid changing rules.