Bill May and other male synchronized swimmers, now referred to as artistic swimmers, have faced criticism in the past, but they are now having the last laugh. Men have been participating in synchronized swimming at lower levels for many years, but now they have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics, including the upcoming Summer Games in Paris.
May, a former bodybuilder who worked at Cirque du Soleil, was among the first men to compete in synchro at the world championships in 2015. He has come out of retirement with hopes of competing at the Olympics. May acknowledges that there has always been a misconception that synchronized swimming is a female-only sport or for “wimps,” but he believes it to be one of the most difficult sports in the world.
The synchronized swimming we see today is far removed from the water ballet of the past. It now features acrobatics, lifts, throws, flips, and even diving routines launched off the shoulders of teammates. It’s essentially gymnastics on water, and there is a risk of concussions.
Men who are interested in synchronized swimming often face stereotypes and negative comments. Kenny Gaudet, an 18-year-old American swimmer, faced bullying and slander simply because he chose to pursue artistic swimming. He admits that there were times when he wanted to quit due to the ridicule he faced.
Adam Andrasko, the head of USA Artistic Swimming, is focused on recruiting more men to the sport. While there has been growth in male participation in the United States, Andrasko believes there is still work to be done internationally. He acknowledges that flexibility is often a challenge for male swimmers, but he hopes to see more men participating in the Olympics.
One concern is that the inclusion of men in the sport will lead to resentment from women, as men will only compete in team events at the Olympics. However, two-time American Olympian Anita Alvarez assures that there is no acrimony among the female swimmers. Alvarez believes that the inclusion of both males and females will inspire young boys and girls to dream of being in the Olympics.
Synchronized swimming requires intense training, with athletes spending more than eight hours a day practicing and treading water. It involves counting time, working with music, staying in line, and holding their breath without wearing goggles or touching the bottom of the pool. Alvarez emphasizes the many elements that go into synchronized swimming that people often overlook.
Overall, the inclusion of men in synchronized swimming is seen as an opportunity for the sport to grow and attract more participants. It challenges stereotypes and opens doors for both young boys and girls who dream of competing in the Olympics.
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