They do this all without touching the bottom of the pool!

[Maraya1969]

And here is some information about the sport. - Synchronized swimmers can hear the music underwater. The sound is supplied via underwater speakers.

Synchronized swimmers do not touch the bottom of the pool during a routine. It is against the rules, and a two-point deduction will be given if they do. The water is a minimum of nine feet deep. The swimmers create the illusion of standing on their feet or hands because they are so proficient at the techniques of eggbeatering and sculling.

Synchronized swimmers swim with their eyes open underwater. By seeing their teammates underwater, they make corrections to alignment and set-up for specific moves in their routine.

When spinning upside down in the water, synchronized swimmers spot the pool walls just like a figure skater, dancer or diver would to count their rotations.

In a five-minute routine, a synchronized swimmer may spend up to a minute underwater without coming up for air. At the same time, they are using their arms and legs to suspend themselves in the water. It's similar to running underwater while holding your breath at the same time.

The most important piece of equipment for synchronized swimming is the nose clip. Although it may seem unusual, the nose clip is vital in importance because it prevents water from entering the nasal cavity during the upside-down movements and also allows the swimmer to stay underwater for longer lengths of time.

Synchronized swimmers practice eight hours a day, six days a week. Approximately six hours are spent in the water and an additional two hours on land with cross training exercises such as lifting weights, biking, running or aerobics.

Synchro requires both anaerobic and aerobic strength. "The anaerobic and aerobic systems are the major energy systems. The difference between the two is that the anaerobic systems do not use oxygen to break down carbohydrates, whereas the aerobic system uses oxygen to produce energy from carbohydrate and fat. At the start of exercise the body uses the anaerobic systems." From The Coaches' Guide to Sport Physiology, by Brain Sharkey.

A lift in synchronized swimming is done by raising the body of one or more swimmers up to or above the water surface. Swimmers execute lifts with only their body strength and are not allowed to use the pool bottom.
Deckwork is the movements the athletes perform on the deck once the music starts and before entering the water. Deckwork sets the mood of the routine, can only be 10 seconds in length, and does not factor into the final score.

Most synchro swimmers carry an extra nose clip in their suit in case the one they are wearing gets knocked off during a routine. Call them superstitious, but most will not swim a routine without a spare.
The elite-level synchronized swimmer can swim up to 75 meters underwater without coming up for air.

[Dan]

1. The video was beautiful,

I almost drowned watching it