synchronised swimming

[D]

I know we all know this, but I just watched footage of the winning duo from Russia and the second place team from Spain and I have to say:

synchronised swimming is one of the most bizarre sports imaginable. And it is really impressive. I wish there were large-ensemble, Esther Williams-type synch swimming at the Olympics.

 

[El Jefe]

I find it bizarre, but can't quite manage "impressive". It has a certain camp quality, but as a sport it seems to be lacking anything.. erm... sports-like

Have you seen Water Lillies? really interesting French rites of passage drama based on a synchronised swimming team.

 

[Treacle Toes]

Some of the things those girls are doing in the water are amazing, it is a strange sport though yes...it's like the swimming pool style of rythmic gymnastics.

 

[D]

I find it bizarre, but can't quite manage "impressive". It has a certain camp quality, but as a sport it seems to be lacking anything.. erm... sports-like

Except for the fact that it requires:

strength
agility
coordination
endurance
technique

...

all cultivated through practice.

Sounds pretty athletic to me! There's obviously an artistic dimension as well.

I can't get over how long they hold their breath for some of those things and how immensely strange all the disembodied leg-twirling looks.

I have never seen that film.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Don't think i've seen any of this and have no idea how it works.

 

[perplexis]

I hate the idea of it as a competitive sport, but it's an amazing sight and some properly hardcore skills.

 

[Melinda]

I saw some last night and the Russians were What they do in the water requires SO much strength.

The prolonged scissor kicks (no idea what they are called! ) and the superfast legwork was really impressive.


The Chinese had identical twins representing them in the duet. They had the looooooongest legs. Totally built for the sport.

 

[perplexis]

La Naissance Des Pieuvres (The Water Lillies, etf? I didn't know it was called that, the French title means "The Birth of The Octopuses"!) is wicked in a cutesy French coming-of-age way. Has a lovely soundtrack by Para One who is one of the finest French electro producers at the moment (he's done stuff with TTC and Modeselektor).

 

[Melinda]

I hate the idea of it as a competitive sport, but it's an amazing sight and some properly hardcore skills.

You hate sport? What all of it? Thats a bit strong!

 

[D]

I hate the idea of it as a competitive sport, but it's an amazing sight and some properly hardcore skills.

Do you long for the purely artistic days of yore?

 

[zenie]

Awww man it's amaaaazing love it!!!!

 

[Melinda]

Awww man it's amaaaazing love it!!!!

I would have put money on you liking it!

 

[TrippyLondoner]

When is it on?

 

[D]

Dude - allow me to introduce you to the wonders of google and the BBC website.

 

[Melinda]

When is it on?

The duets are done for sure, I watched the Russians beat the Chinese and the French.

I dont know if they have team events...

Diving on tmw, so maybe it is today?

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Dude - allow me to introduce you to the wonders of google and the BBC website.

Sorry, i'm just lazy!

 

[perplexis]

I hate the idea of it as a competitive sport, but it's an amazing sight and some properly hardcore skills.

You hate sport? What all of it? Thats a bit strong!

You what? That's not what I say, you even quote me and that's not what it says.

 

[Melinda]

You what? That's not what I say, you even quote me and that's not what it says.

Please excuse me- I misread

 

[perplexis]

Do you long for the purely artistic days of yore?

Essentially, yes.

 

[foamy]

There's obviously an artistic dimension as well.

there sure is! The under water Pat Butcher eye make up for one!

watched it yesterday and it was amazing.
much like the gymnastics but without the luxury of being able to breathe while performing.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

I never watch this. I was put off when it was introduced. Their permagrins freaked me out. Still do. However, they seem to have introduced some different facial expressions which aren't quite as scarey as the permagrin and I decided to watch some coverage yesterday. I thought the Spanish were more enjoyable than the Russians. I half expected them to start dancing a flamenco

 

[D]

there sure is! The under water Pat Butcher eye make up for one!

watched it yesterday and it was amazing.
much like the gymnastics but without the luxury of being able to breathe while performing.

exactly!

Also, the timing and coordination - and having to count/listen while underwater

 

[Melinda]

The intricacy of the moments was impressive. The commentator said they use video in training to check every move.

 

[skyscraper101]

Its quite erotic really until you see the fixed grins like scary dolls on their faces.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Its quite erotic really until you see the fixed grins like scary dolls on their faces.

see my previous post

 

[Melinda]

Its quite erotic really until you see the fixed grins like scary dolls on their faces.

Oooh the perfect legs on the Chinese duo!

 

[perplexis]

Please excuse me- I misread

It's ok, I am just being well grouchy today

 

[vogonity]

Great mix of technique, strength and artistry.

 

[D]

Look how articulate their feet are!

and the noseplugs look really funny

 

[Melinda]

Team event replay is on BBC1 now - Minnie! Are you around?

Someone call Minnie!