RP synchronized swimming team win medals in Thailand

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 23, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The first ever synchronized swimming team of the Philippines won for the country several medals in the Thailand Synchro Open and Age Competitions which was held on July 14 -17, 2007.

In an interview, head of the delegation Dr. Elizabeth D. Mascardo, informed the Philippine Information Agency that in the above 18 years old category, Ida Noelle DG Calumpang won for the country silver medal for open solo free technical while Mae Listones won the bronze medal in the open solo free technical.

Furthermore, the free duet of Emrin Haya Hamsain and Corinna Denise Rosete won for the country, the bronze medal.

Dr. Mascardo said that this is already a good performance considering that this is the first time the country has had a synchronized swimming team compete abroad. She added that the managers acknowledge the fact that there is much to be in order to improve the country’s synchronized swimming team’s performance.

Dr. Mascardo led the synchronized swimming team which left for Thailand on July 12 in order to be the first ever such team of the country to compete internationally. Together with her, were assistant head of delegation Maxima M. Hamsain and Gretchen Catherin M. Hamsain, coach Reina Rose E. Suarez and the fourteen members of the synchronized swimming team.

The members of the Team have gained not only medals but the needed self-confidence and the experience which is much-needed if the country is to seriously consider sending synchronized swimming teams in international competitions, Dr. Mascardo said.

Synchronized swimming is a hybrid of swimming, gymnastics and dance. It involves competitors' (either individuals, duets, trios or teams) combining strength, endurance, flexibility, grace and artistry with exceptional breath control while upside down underwater. Developed in the early 1900s in Canada, it is a sport performed almost exclusively by women.

Unusual, but vital, equipment helps the women maintain the illusion of effortlessness, no simple task considering they perform strenuous movements upside down and underwater while holding their breath. A nose clip prevents water from entering the nose, allowing the swimmers to remain underwater for long periods. Gelatine keeps the hair in place. Make-up brings out the features.

Most importantly, an underwater speaker lets the swimmers hear the music clearly while underwater, helping them achieve the split-second timing critical to synchronised swimming.

Originally known as water ballet, synchronized swimming began in Canada in the 1920s. It spread to the United States in the early '30s, where a display at the 1934 Chicago World's Fair drew rave reviews. Its popularity soared further when Esther Williams performed in a string of MGM "aqua musicals" in the 1940s and '50s.

Synchronized swimming emerged as an exhibition sport at the Olympic Games from 1948 to 1968, then debuted as a full medal sport in Los Angeles in 1984. It is open only to women, with medals offered in two events: duet and team.

Competition for both events consists of a technical routine and a free routine, each performed to music within a time limit. In the technical routine, swimmers perform specific moves in a set order, including boosts, rockets, thrusts and twirls. In the free routine there are no restrictions on music or choreography. Judges of each routine look for a high degree of difficulty and risk, flawless execution, innovative choreography and seemingly effortless performance.