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Breathtaking Photos of Synchronised Swimming!

July 23, 2013 08:13 IST

Image: Canada's team performs in the synchronised swimming free combination routine
Photographs: Albert Gea/Reuters

Synchronized swimming, popularly known as Synchro, comprises swimming, dance and gymnastics.

Rediff.com brings you stunning pictures of the sport from the 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona.

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Barcelona FINA Synchro

Image: Greece's Despoina Solomou performs in the synchronised swimming solo free routine
Photographs: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Synchronised swimming can be described as ‘water ballet’, as it consists of dance-like elaborate movements that swimmers make to music.

Image: Britain's Jenna Randall performs in the synchronised swimming solo free routine
Photographs: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Synchronised swimming brings out the best in a swimmer at solos, duets or teams.

Image: China's Jiang Tingting and Jiang Wenwen perform in the synchronised swimming duet technical routine final
Photographs: Albert Gea/Reuters

Men do not compete in Synchronised swimming at the Olympics like rhythmic gymnastics and softball.

But in other international and national competitions men are allowed.

Image: Japan's team perform in the synchronised swimming free combination routine
Photographs: Albert Gea/Reuters

This sport seems easy from a distance but it requires a lot of strength, grace, flexibility and precise timing.

Image: Spain's team are seen underwater as they perform in the synchronised swimming free combination routine
Photographs: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Breathing techniques are of utmost importance and the swimmers use a nose clip to prevent an intake of water through the nostrils.