Kerry Norden

Optional Groups


Group 1

3        342        Heron
4        311a      Kip 1/2 Twist



Group 2

3        240        Albatross
4        345        Catalina Reverse



Group 3

3        301d       Barracuda Spinning 180°
4        140          Flamingo Bent Knee

Age Group 12 and Under

Compulsory


1        101       Ballet Leg Single

2        360       Walkover Front

Optional Groups


Group 1

3        321        Somersub
4        315        Kipnus



Group 2

3        355        Porpoise
4        401        Swordfish



Group 3

3        344       Neptunus
4        140       Barracuda

10 and Under (Figures up to 2009)

Compulsory


-        101       Single Ballet Leg

-        320       Front Pike Somersault

Group 1

-        310        Back Tuck Somersault
-        302        Blossom



Group 2

-        303        Back Pike Somersault
-        315        Kipnus

Squad Selection Criteria

Although first demonstrated at the 1952 Olympic Games, synchronized swimming did not become an official Olympic sport until the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. It was not until 1968 that synchronized swimming became officially recognized by FINA as the fourth water sport next to swimming, platform diving and water polo.


At the turn of the 20th century, synchronized swimming was known as Water Ballet. The first recorded competition was in 1891 in Berlin, Germany. Many swim clubs were formed around that time, and the sport simultaneously developed within several countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the USA. As well as existing as a sport, it often constituted a popular addition to Music Hall evenings, in the larger variety theatres of London or Glasgow which were equipped with huge on-stage water tanks for the purpose.


Synchronised Swimming began as a sport for men in the 1800s. It is now one of two sports on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.

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.