About U.S. Synchronized Swimming / Major International Events / Major National Events / Funding
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. The inaugural synchronized swimming U.S.
National Championships were held in 1946, just
one year after the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
first recognized the sport. 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.
Three events are 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. In the
1996 Olympics, the team event replaced solo and
duet competition, which had been a part of the
Olympic program since 1984. However, duets will
be re-introduced for the 2000 Olympic Games.
Synchronized swimming has captured the
attention of sports spectators worldwide, and
today it ranks among the most popular of
amateur sporting events. In the last 10 years,
the sport has experienced unparalleled growth
to include more than 5,000 athletes, coaches
and officials, participating in more than 200
clubs across the country. More than 50 nations
compete in synchro on six continents.
U.S. Synchronized Swimming, also known as
Synchro Swimming USA, was established as a
nonprofit organization 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.
The organization's mission statement includes
three main goals:
* 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.
USSS's duties include:
* Developing and administering programs and
competitions throughout the synchronized
swimming associations nationwide;
* Selecting and training teams to 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.
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.
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* Olympic Games
* World Aquatic Championships
* FINA World Cup
* Pan American Games
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* 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.
* Baquacil 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 Championship
The Championship closes out the season for
many swimmers ages 14 to 19 years. It
provides a national competition for the
sports 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.
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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' 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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