And Now we are in 2024 to begin Artistic Swimming in the Paris Olympics as the energy in the Centre Aquatique is buzzing as we start with the Duet Technical Routine.
Under the new, high-stakes scoring system, every movement is scrutinized for its "Degree of Difficulty" (DD). A single slip in synchronization can lead to a "Base Mark," plummeting a score and ending medal dreams instantly.
Here is the real-life play-by-play of the Technical phase:
The Duet Technical Routine Highlights
1. The "Lotus" Bloom – China (276.7867)
The twins Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi entered as the heavy favorites.
The Routine: Set to the music of Cai Ling, their theme was the "Lotus Flower."
The Execution: They opened with a perfectly synchronized backwards somersault acrobatic move. Their hybrids were performed with a surgical precision that made them look like a single person and its reflection. They avoided all base marks and claimed the highest score of the night.
2. The "Queen" of the Pool – Austria (267.2533)
The triplets Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina Alexandri brought the house down with a high-octane tribute to the band Queen.
The Highlight: Set to "We Will Rock You," they executed Freddie Mercury’s iconic stomps and claps with their legs above the water.
The Technique: They took on a massive 39.300 DD, featuring lightning-fast transitions and sharp, aggressive movements that secured them the second spot.
3. The "Disco Vibe" – Netherlands (264.7066)
The De Brouwer twins (Bregje and Noortje) brought 1980s energy with a fun, powerful routine.
The Routine: Set to "Far From Over" (from the Stayin' Alive sequel), they displayed incredible height during their middle technical elements.
The Result: Their clean execution and lack of base marks put them narrowly ahead of Great Britain by less than a point.
4. The "Clocks" – Great Britain (264.0282)
Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe delivered a breakthrough performance with their "Clocks" routine.
The Highlight: The routine ended with a complex final hybrid full of rotations and a "traveling bonus," signaling that they were serious podium contenders.
Duet Free Routine
1. The Rising Phoenix – Great Britain (294.3248)
Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe delivered the performance of their lives.
The Routine: Set to a dramatic orchestral score, they portrayed a phoenix rising from the ashes.
The Climax: Their final hybrid was a relentless sequence of rotations and leg extensions that earned them the highest Difficulty Score of the entire competition. They stayed perfectly in sync despite the exhaustion of the 3:00-minute routine, putting immense pressure on the leaders.
2. The Van Gogh "Starry Night" – Netherlands (293.6897)
The De Brouwer twins brought Dutch art to the water.
The Style: Known for their power, they used wide, sweeping leg movements to mimic brushstrokes.
The Result: Their routine was incredibly clean, allowing them to capitalize on the "Artistic Impression" category, which is vital in the Free round.
3. The "Cobra" – China (289.6916)
Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi opted for a high-intensity, serpentine theme.
The Execution: While their Difficulty was slightly lower than the British and Dutch duets, their Synchronization and Execution were nearly perfect. They moved with a predatory grace, ensuring they didn't receive any "Base Marks" that could jeopardize their lead.
4. The "Condor" – Austria (288.4145)
The Alexandri sisters performed an aggressive, powerful routine.
The Drama: They had one of the most difficult opening acrobatic lifts, but a slight drift in synchronization during a mid-routine hybrid cost them a few points in the "Execution" category, making the race for the silver and bronze razor-thin.
The Final Results in the First Half Looked Like This before the Second Half Begins
1. China - 566.4783
2. Great Britain - 558.3530
3. Netherlands - 558.3963
4. Austria - 555.6678
5. Ukraine - 538.9445
6. Greece - 537.0484
7. Spain - 535.6859
8. Japan - 507.0804
As For The United States in the First Half: Jamie Czarkowski and Megumi Field were part of of the historic U.S. squad that won Silver in the Team event, and they brought that same "New Era" energy to the Duet competition.
While China, Great Britain, and the Netherlands fought for the podium, the USA delivered a very strong, consistent performance to finish in the Top 10 of a massive 18-team field.
PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWNS
Technical Routine: "The Karate Kid"
The Theme: Jaime and Megumi performed a high-energy routine inspired by martial arts, featuring sharp, "staccato" movements mimicking strikes and blocks.
The Strategy: They declared a high Difficulty (DD) to keep pace with the world leaders.
The Result: They executed their technical elements with great height and power. They suffered a small "Base Mark" on one of their later hybrids which lowered their ceiling, but they still scored a solid 230.7134, placing them 11th after the first night.
2. Free Routine: "The Big Bang"
The Theme: A cosmic, explosive routine that focused on the creation of the universe.
The Highlight: Their opening acrobatics were among the most stable in the field. They showed incredible lung capacity, staying submerged for long periods during their "Dark Matter" hybrids.
The Comeback: They delivered a much cleaner performance in the Free round than in the Tech round, earning a 254.0354. This was the 10th highest Free score of the competition.
On to Legs Only Technical
Here are the Highlights
1. China – "The Silk Road of Paris" (282.4150)
The Wang twins combined traditional Chinese grace with Parisian haute couture.
The Action: Their legs performed a series of "Double-Bent Knee Vertical" transitions that mimicked the folding of silk fabric.
The Technical Masterstroke: A 1080° spin executed at a "Submerged Level 2" depth, where the waterline never moved an inch, demonstrating perfect buoyancy control.
2. Great Britain – "The Glass Pyramid" (279.1120)
Shortman and Thorpe used the geometry of the Louvre’s pyramid as their inspiration.
The Action: They utilized "Sharp Angle Hybrids," creating perfect 45 and 90 degree angles with their legs to mimic the glass panes.
The Result: They scored the highest in "Innovation," as their legs moved in asymmetrical patterns that still maintained perfect micro-synchronization.
3. USA – "The Jazz Age in Montmartre" (264.5580)
Czarkowski and Field brought an athletic, syncopated energy to the pool.
The Action: Inspired by 1920s jazz, their legs performed "Flick-Kicks" and "Submerged Charlestons." * The Standout: They performed a "Triple-Ankle Snap" during their final technical element, a move never before attempted in a legs-only format.
4. Ukraine – "The Iron Lace" (270.2100)
The Aleksiiva twins focused on the intricate lattice-work of the Eiffel Tower.
The Action: They performed "Interlocking Fishtails," where their legs crossed at the ankles while rotating. It gave the illusion of solid iron moving through the water.
Legs Only Free Routine Highlights
Legs-Only Free Routine Highlights
1. Great Britain: "The Lunar Eclipse" (294.5085)
Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe delivered the performance of the night.
The Theme: Inspired by the transition of light to darkness, their legs mimicked the "shadowing" of the moon.
The Technical Feat: They executed a Triple-Twist Barracuda (three full leg rotations while descending) that was so fast it created a visible vortex. This scored the highest difficulty of the gala, allowing them to leapfrog into the overall Silver position.
2. Netherlands: "The Windmill's Breath" (293.6897)
The De Brouwer twins utilized their legendary synchronization to honor their heritage.
The Theme: Their legs moved in large, sweeping circular patterns, perfectly timed to mimic the rotating sails of a windmill.
The Highlight: A "Double-Propeller" hybrid where their legs were perfectly parallel while spinning at high speed. Their flawless execution ensured they held onto the Bronze by the narrowest of margins.
3. China: "The Dragon’s Shadow" (289.6916)
The Wang twins focused on predatory grace and fluidity.
The Theme: Instead of sharp snaps, they used serpentine, winding leg movements to mimic a dragon swimming through a deep lake.
The Execution: While their difficulty was slightly lower than the British, their Artistic Impression was unmatched. Every toe extension was a masterclass in flexibility, securing the overall Gold for China.
4. USA: "Electric Pulse" (254.0354)
Jamie Czarkowski and Megumi Field brought a modern, athletic edge to the final round.
The Theme: Fast, "glitchy" leg movements synchronized to a high-tempo electronic beat.
The Standout: They performed a "Staccato Vertical" where their legs moved in sudden, vibrating bursts. This high-energy finish solidified their 10th-place overall finish and pushed them past the 1,000-point combined threshold.
THE FINAL RESULT
Gold - China (566.4783)
Silver - Great Britain (558.5367)
Bronze - Netherlands (558.3963)
And So the Duet Routine has ended and now we move on to Team which started on August 7th with the Acrobatic, Technical and Free Routines and the Legs Only Portions on August 8th to decide who will win the Gold.
Team Acrobatic Highlights
China – "Light of Life": The gold standard. Their flyer was launched with such velocity that she performed a double back-tuck at a height nearly double that of other teams. They avoided "Base Marks" (penalties) entirely, cementing them to first place before the Technical Routine.
USA – "Sorceress": The emotional peak of the night. Featuring the "Walk on Water" move where a swimmer is held horizontally and "steps" across the surface, the U.S. finished 2nd.
France – "Can-Can": Performing for a home crowd, the French team delivered an electric, high-kicking routine. However they scored 3rd in the Acro round.
Spain – "One Thousand and One Nights": A technical masterclass in underwater construction. Their "Magic Carpet" lift was flawless, securing them 4th heading to technical.
On to Team Technical Highlights
The Dominance of China – "Speed and Passion"
The Chinese team entered with a routine set to high-tempo percussion. They were the only team to break the 300-point barrier. Their synchronization was so flawless that even with the second-highest difficulty, they made the complex required elements look effortless, establishing a massive 26-point lead immediately.
2. The USA’s Iconic Moonwalk – "Smooth Criminal"
The United States delivered the most talked-about moment of the night.
The Trick: To the music of Michael Jackson, the team performed a synchronized moonwalk underwater.
The Drama: Initially, the USA received a "Base Mark" (a massive penalty) and were ranked 7th. However, Team USA filed an official protest. After a 30-minute review, the judges overturned the penalty, vaulting them back up to 4th place and keeping their medal hopes alive.
3. Spain’s Mambo Energy – "Pon Le Fuego Vamos!"
Spain took a huge risk by declaring the highest Degree of Difficulty (51.15) of the night. Inspired by West Side Story, their "Mambo" routine was chaotic and fiery. They executed their difficulty perfectly without any base marks, securing the second spot.
4. France’s Home Crowd – "A Trip to Space"
The French team performed to Pink Floyd and Massive Attack. The atmosphere in the arena was electric; the home crowd’s cheering was so loud that it could be heard underwater. They finished narrowly behind Italy in 6th, separated by less than a tenth of a point.
And Finally Free Team Free to Close Out the First Half of the Team Competition
USA – "The Waters": Performing to a sweeping, ethereal score, the U.S. executed the second-highest Difficulty (DD) of the night. Their synchronization was vastly improved from the Technical round, and by securing the second-best score of the night, they climbed from 4th place to 2nd place overall, putting them in position for a historic Silver with one day left to go.
China – "Gravity": China’s routine was a masterclass in physics. Their leg height and propulsion were so superior that they scored nearly 40 points higher than the next team, making their gold medal almost a mathematical certainty before the final day.
Mexico – "Queen": The Mexican team was the "fan favorite" of the night. Using a medley of Queen hits like "Don't Stop Me Now," they delivered a high-energy performance that ranked 3rd in the Free round alone, showing the world that they were a rising power.
And Now The Scores heading into the Day Before the Exhibition Gala as we begin the Legs Only Competition
1. China: Chang Hao, Feng Yu, Wang Ciyue, Wang Liuyi, Wang Qianyi, Xiang Binxuan, Xiao Yanning, Zhang Yayi
Acrobatic: 283.6934, Technical: 313.5538, Free: 398.8917
Current Total: 996.1389
2. United States: Anita Alvarez, Jaime Czarkowski, Megumi Field, Keana Hunter, Audrey Kwon, Jacklyn Luu, Daniella Ramirez, Ruby Remati
Acrobatic: 271.3166, Technical: 282.7567, Free: 360.2688
Current Total: 914.3421
3. Spain: Txell Ferré, Marina García Polo, Lilou Lluís Valette, Meritxell Mas, Alisa Ozhogina, Paula Ramírez, Iris Tió, Blanca Toledano
Acrobatic: 267.1200, Technical: 287.1475, Free: 346.4644
4. France: Laelys Alavez, Anastasia Bayandina, Ambre Esnault, Laura Gonzalez, Romane Lunel, Eve Planeix, Charlotte Tremble, Laura Tremble
Acrobatic: 268.8001, Technical: 277.7925, Free: 340.0561
Current Total: 866.6487
5. Japan: Moe Higa, Moeka Kijima, Uta Kobayashi, Tomoka Sato, Ayano Shimada, Ami Wada, Mashiro Yasunaga, Megumu Yoshida
Acrobatic: 252.7533, Technical: 284.9017, Free: 284.9017
Current Total: 880.6841
6. Canada: Scarlett Finn, Audrey Lamothe, Jonnie Newman, Raphaelle Plante, Kenzie Priddell, Claire Scheffel, Jacqueline Simoneau, Florence Tremblay
Acrobatic: 253.0567, Technical: 262.4808, Free: 343.6854
Current Total: 859.2229
7. Mexico: Regina Alferez, Fernanda Arellano, Nuria Diosdado, Itzamary González, Joana Jiménez, Samanta Rodríguez, Jessica Sobrino, Pamela Toscano
Acrobatic: 263.4567, Technical: 242.9491, Free: 347.3874
Current Total: 853.7932
8. Italy: Linda Cerruti, Marta Iacoacci, Sofia Mastroianni, Enrica Piccoli, Lucrezia Ruggiero, Isotta Sportelli, Giulia Vernice, Francesca Zunino
Acrobatic: 241.9866, Technical: 277.8304, Free: 326.1500
Current Total: 845.9670
9. Australia: Carolyn Rayna Buckle, Georgia Courage-Gardiner, Raphaelle Gauthier, Kiera Gazzard, Margo Joseph-Kuo, Anastasia Kusmawan, Zoe Poulis, Milena Waldmann
Acrobatic: 211.9766, Technical: 235.9071, Free: 280.5521
Current Total: 728.4358
10. Egypt: Farida Abdelbary, Mariam Ahmed, Nadine Barsoum, Amina Elfeky, Hanna Hiekal, Salma Marei
Sondos Mohamed, Nehal Saafan
Acrobatic: 219.2267, Technical: 242.7651, Free: 243.9896
Current Total: 705.9814
However all 10 Teams will be ready do Three Legs-Only Routines for the First Time Ever starting with the Acrobatic Routine and ending with the Free Routine, Then afterwards they will be joined by those 16 swimmers from 8 Countries (all of which in they don't have Team Routines) who performed in the Duet Competition.
Austria: Anna-Maria Alexandri & Eirini-Marina Alexandri
Great Britain: Kate Shortman & Isabelle Thorpe
Greece: Sofia Malkogeorgou & Evangelia Platanioti
Israel: Shelly Bobritsky & Ariel Nassee
Netherlands: Bregje de Brouwer & Noortje de Brouwer
New Zealand: Nina Brown & Eva Morris
South Korea: Hur Yoon-seo & Lee Ri-young
Ukraine: Maryna Aleksiiva & Vladyslava Aleksiiva
But That will take place on August 10th, But on August 9th, The Final 3 Routines of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Artistic Swimming Taking Place but It's all about the legs.
First Up: Legs Only Acrobatic
The Highlights
USA – "The Deep Sea Geyser" (285.4402)
The Americans pulled off a tactical shocker. Since they couldn't use their arms for a traditional toss, they developed a "Leg-Spring Launch."
The Move: Six swimmers formed an underwater "cradle" using their legs. The featured swimmer crouched on their feet and was catapulted into a double-back-flip, clearing the water entirely while the base team remained submerged.
The Result: They scored the highest in "Innovation" and "Height," taking the top spot in the first-ever Legs-Only Acro round.
2. China – "The Dragon's Tail" (282.9155)
China focused on stability and verticality.
The Move: They performed a "Stack of Souls," where swimmers stood on each other's thighs underwater to lift a featured swimmer into a "Needle" position (a perfect vertical split) using only the support of the top swimmer's feet.
The Visual: It looked like a living statue rising from the depths, perfectly still despite the current.
3. Spain – "The Salvador Dalí Dream" (274.6610)
True to their artistic roots, Spain went for "Surrealism."
The Move: They executed a "Submerged Pendulum." The entire team locked legs in a circle and swung the featured swimmer back and forth across the surface, mimicking the ticking of a clock, before "clicking" her into a final airborne pike.
4. France – "The Eiffel Ironworks" (272.1033)
The home team used structural rigidity to their advantage.
The Move: They formed a massive underwater "A-frame" with their legs. The featured swimmer performed a series of rapid "Ankle-Snaps" while balancing on the peak of the leg-pyramid.
The Results heading to Legs Only Technical
1. USA (The Deep Sea Geyser) - 285.4402
2. China (The Dragon's Tail) - 282.9155
3. Spain (The Salvador Dali Dream) - 274.6610
4. France (The Eiffel Ironworks) - 272.1033
5. Japan (The Rising Tide) - 268.3391
6. Mexico (The Aztec Serpent) - 265.9044
7. Canada (The Northern Lights) - 259.4120
8. Italy (The Roman Aquedect) - 257.8829
Legs Only Technical Highlights
China – "The Terracotta Army" (318.9055)
China took their regular-season precision and turned it into an underwater fortress.
The Movement: Their legs moved with a rigid, "stone-like" mechanical precision. During the mandatory Cadence Action, all eight swimmers’ legs snapped into a vertical position in a ripple effect so fast it looked like a single machine.
The Secret: They maintained a "Level 4" depth (hips at the surface) for the entire 2:50 minutes, a feat of buoyancy that left the judges stunned.
2. USA – "The Apollo 11 Mission" (302.1140)
Coach Andrea Fuentes doubled down on the "New Era" creativity.
The Movement: To a soundscape of mission control recordings, the U.S. performed "Low-Gravity Hybrids." Their legs moved in slow-motion, drifting apart and snapping back together to mimic the docking of a space module.
The Highlight: They successfully executed a Reverse Barracuda Airborne Split (Technical Element #3) with such height that their calves were entirely dry, despite their heads being deep underwater.
3. Japan – "The Shinkansen" (295.4082)
Japan reclaimed their spot in the top 3 by focusing on "Speed."
The Movement: Their legs moved in a blurring "piston" motion, mimicking a high-speed train. Their synchronization was the highest of the night—not a single toe was out of alignment during the Traveling Butterfly sequence.
4. Spain – "The Flamenco Footwork" (291.6675)
Spain brought the rhythm of the dance floor to the bottom of the pool.
The Movement: They utilized rapid "Ankle-Claps" and "Toe-Taps" against the surface tension of the water. While their difficulty was the highest, a minor "Synchronization Error" during the fourth technical element kept them just behind Japan.
The Scoreboard after Legs Only Team Technical
1. China (The Terracotta Army) - 318.9055
2. USA (The Apollo 11 Mission) - 302.1140
3. Japan (The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) - 295.4082
4. Spain (The Flamenco Footwork) - 291.6675
5. France (The Louvre Arches) - 284.3310
6. Mexico (The Mayan Calendar) - 278.9022
7. Italy (The Gondola Pulse) - 275.1200
8. Canada (The Maple Fractal) - 268.4419
And Now The Legs Only Team Free will decide all with the Highlights of The Final Bettle
China – "The Terracotta Spirits" (392.1150)
China evolved their Technical "Army" theme into a haunting, fluid routine.
The Movement: Their legs moved with a ghostly, rhythmic sway that mimicked statues coming to life.
The Climax: They performed a "Circle of Eternal Life," where all 8 swimmers linked ankles at the surface and rotated like a spinning wheel, maintaining perfect speed without using a single arm stroke. It was the highest Artistic Impression score in Olympic history.
2. USA – "The Ghost of the Sorceress" (388.4420)
The Americans leaned into the "Magic" theme that won them the real-life Silver.
The Movement: Using a dark, orchestral remix of their sorcery score, they focused on "Apparition Hybrids." Pairs of legs would vanish into the deep and reappear in completely different spots in less than two seconds.
The Technical Feat: They performed a "Double-Propeller" where the entire team rotated in two separate 4-person circles, creating mini-whirlpools that the judges cited as "pure magic."
3. Spain – "The Gaudí Mosaic" (375.2100)
Inspired by the architecture of Barcelona, Spain’s routine was a burst of color and complexity.
The Movement: Their legs created "Asymmetrical Geometry," with each swimmer performing a different leg-extension that combined to look like a mosaic tile.
The Result: It was the most complex routine of the night, but a slight synchronization drift at the end kept them behind the USA.
The Results and the Final Combined Totals
1. China (The Terrascotta Spirits) - 392.1150 (1990.0749 - Won Gold)
2. USA (The Ghost of the Sorceress) - 388.4420 (1890.3383 - Won Silver)
3. Spain (The Gaudi Mosaic) - 375.2100 (1842.2704 - Won Bronze)
4. Japan (The Cyberpunk Neon) - 368.9055 (1813.3369)
5. France (The Catacombs Pulse) - 364.1200 (1807.2030)
6. Mexico (The Monarch Butterfly) - 359.8821 (1758.4819)
7. Italy (The Venetian Masquerade) - 355.6040 (1734.5739)
8. Canada (The Tundra Awakening) - 342.3315 (1729.4083)
9. Australia (The Great Barrier Ripple) - 315.8050 (1528.6563)
10. Egypt (The Nile Currents) - 309.3600 (1491.0914)
And So The Competition is Now Over as we head to the Exhibition Gala for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Artistic Swimming on August 10, 2024
Act #1 (The Opening Number): "L'Hymne à l'Eau" (Hymn to the Water)
The music begins with a haunting, solo accordion melody that swells into a cinematic orchestral arrangement of Edith Piaf’s Hymne à l'amour.
Primary Squad Leaders (The Leaders of the Water): Feng Yu (China), Anita Alvarez (USA), Meritxell Mas (Spain), Kate Shortman (Great Britain), Eve Planeix (France), Bregje de Brouwer (Netherlands) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
Primary Section Leaders (The Mid-Field Commanders)
Section A: Xiao Yanning (China)
Section B: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
Section C: Eve Planeix (France)
Section D: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Secondary Squad Leaders: Wang Liuyi (China), Megumi Field (USA), Iris Tio Casas (Spain), Isabelle Thorpe (Great Britain), Anastasia Bayandina (France), Noortje de Brouwer (Netherlands), Joana Jimenez (Mexico)
Secondary Section Leaders (The Mid-Field Commanders)
Section A: Daniela Ramirez (USA)
Section B: Moe Higa (Japan)
Section C: Shelly Bobritsky (Israel)
Section D: Alisa Ozhogina (Spain)
The Visual Spectacle
The Perimeter Ring: All 96 swimmers line the entire edge of the Olympic pool. On the first beat of the chorus, they perform a synchronized "Back-Dive Entry," disappearing into the water in a single, massive splash that creates a wave traveling from the edges to the center.
The Concentric Circles: Once submerged, the 96 athletes form three massive concentric circles.
The Outer Ring (The 48 Duet Specialists): They perform a slow, floating "Flower Bloom," where their legs extend outward to form the petals of a massive lily pad.
The Middle Ring (The 32 Team Specialists): They execute a series of rapid, interweaving "Fishtails," creating a silver lattice of bubbles.
The Inner Core (The 16 Finalists): The gold, silver, and bronze medalists from the Duet and Team events (China, USA, GB, Spain, Netherlands) form a tight star formation, rising slowly to the surface in a vertical "Tower of Champions."
The Grand Finale of Act 1
As the music reaches its crescendo, the 96 swimmers lock hands under the water and perform a "Surface Break." Simultaneously, they propel themselves halfway out of the water, arms reaching toward the rafters of the arena, while the French colors (Blue, White, and Red) are projected onto the surface of the pool.
"In this moment, there are no judges, no scores, and no nations—only the collective breath of the world's greatest aquatic athletes."
Act #2: The Dance of the 5 Rings (Continental Fusion)
The music transitions from the classical French accordion to a global beat—a fusion of Taiko drumming, Latin brass, and electronic synthesizers. The 96 swimmers split into five distinct groups, moving to different sectors of the pool to celebrate the "Five Rings" of the Olympic movement.
In this act, the Section Leaders take full command, coordinating their continental blocks in a high-speed display of regional flair.
Continental Leadership & Themes
Asia (China, Japan, South Korea): Xiao Yanning (China) & Moe Higa (Japan) - The Neon Dragon
Americas (USA, Mexico, Canada): Anita Alvarez (USA) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico) - The Pan Am Pulse
Europe (France, Spain, Italy, UK, etc.): Eve Planeix (France) & Iris Tio Casas (Spain) - The Mediterraneean Blue
Africa (Egypt) - Nadine Barsoum & Hana Hiekal (Spain) - The Sahara Mirage)
Oceania (Australia & New Zealand) - Rayna Buckle (Australia) & Eva Morris (New Zealand) - The Great Riff
Act 2 Highlights
1. The Americas: "The Pan-Am Pulse"
Under the veteran leadership of Anita Alvarez, the 24 swimmers from the US, Mexico, and Canada form a massive "Human Wave."
The Move: They perform a "Shadow Symmetrical Hybrid," where the Mexican and Canadian swimmers mirror the American central line.
The Visual: Nuria Diosdado leads a rapid-fire technical leg-sequence that mimics the snapping of a Spanish guitar, while the US athletes provide the "platform" for a triple-toss launch.
2. Asia: "The Neon Dragon"
Xiao Yanning and Moe Higa coordinate the most technically dense portion of the act.
The Move: The 20+ swimmers from China, Japan, and Korea create an underwater "Dragon." They interlock their legs to form a singular, 30-meter long undulating body that winds through the center of the pool.
The Visual: As the dragon "breathes," all swimmers perform a simultaneous Rocket Split out of the water, led by the precision timing of the Chinese squad.
3. Europe: "The Mediterranean Blue"
As the largest group, the European block (led by Eve Planeix) creates a massive circular mosaic.
The Move: Iris Tió (Spain) and Linda Cerruti (Italy) lead their respective sections in a "Counter-Rotating Waltz."
The Visual: The swimmers perform a series of "Lace-work Hybrids," where their legs cross in intricate patterns that look like the ironwork of the Eiffel Tower, honoring the host city.
4. Africa & Oceania: "The Mirage and the Reef"
Though smaller in numbers, these two sections provide the "Heartbeat" of the act.
Egypt's Mirage: Nadine Barsoum leads a hypnotic, slow-motion leg sequence that mimics the shimmering heat of the desert.
Australia's Reef: Rayna Buckle coordinates a vibrant "Coral Bloom," where swimmers explode from the bottom of the pool in colorful, asymmetrical bursts.
The Grand Transition
At the end of Act 2, the five continental rings begin to overlap. The Section Leaders guide their groups into the center, where they begin to weave through one another without touching—a feat of spatial awareness that only 96 of the world's best could achieve.
The continents have merged. The music shifts to a deep, cinematic bass-line for the most mysterious part of the night.
Act #3: The Submerged Forest (Living Landscape)
The high-octane continental beats of Act 2 fade into a soundscape of bioluminescent chirps and deep, vibrating woodwind notes. The pool lights shift to a mossy emerald and deep teal. In this act, the 96 swimmers move away from athletic "kicks" and toward organic, fluid mimicry.
The 18 nations divide into three specialized layers—The Roots, The Canopy, and The Spirits—to create a three-dimensional underwater forest.
The Forest Hierarchy & Section
The Roots (The Foundation): Linda Cerruti (Italy) & Daniella Ramirez (USA)
Visual Theme: Deep-water anchors and tangled vines.
The Canopy (The Surface): Xiao Yanning (China) & Iris Tio Casas (Spain)
Visual Theme: Shimmering leaves and floating blossoms.
The Spirits (The Motion): Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada) & Moe Higa (Japan)
Visual Scene: Bioluminescent creatures darting through trees.
Act 3: The Living Landscape Highlights
1. The Roots (Submerged Depth)
The 32 swimmers in this section, led by Linda Cerruti, descend to the 3-meter floor.
The Choreography: They perform a "Tangled Lattice" move. Linking arms and legs in a horizontal grid, they sway back and forth in slow motion.
The Visual: Their legs extend upward like thick, gnarled tree trunks. Because they are at the bottom, they create the illusion of a solid forest floor that the other swimmers can "climb."
2. The Canopy (Surface Tension)
At the surface, Xiao Yanning leads the 32 "Canopy" swimmers.
The Choreography: They form 16 pairs of "Mirror Blossoms." Each pair performs a symmetrical leg-fold that looks like a flower opening and closing on the water's surface.
The Visual: Iris Tió directs the outer edges to perform rapid "Finger-Sculls," creating a fine mist of water that hangs in the air, mimicking forest fog under the stadium lights.
3. The Spirits (Mid-Level Fluidity)
The final 32 swimmers, the "Spirits," are the only ones moving vertically. Led by Jacqueline Simoneau, they weave between the "trunks" of the Roots and the "leaves" of the Canopy.
The Choreography: They execute "Weightless Spirals." Without using their arms for propulsion, they use "Eggbeater" kicks to spin 360 degrees while rising from the floor to the surface.
The Highlight: Moe Higa leads a specialized sub-unit that performs a "Bioluminescent Flash"—all swimmers simultaneously snap their bright yellow and green sequined suits toward the light, creating a shimmering explosion of color in the dark water.
The Climax: The Great Oak
As the music swells, the three layers merge. The "Roots" swimmers propel the "Spirits" upward, while the "Canopy" swimmers reach down to catch them. For five seconds, all 96 swimmers form a single, towering "Underwater Oak Tree" that spans from the very bottom of the pool to the surface.
The forest begins to dissolve as the music shifts to a bright, rhythmic percussion.
Act #4: The Machine Age (Clockwork Precision)
The organic fluidity of the "Submerged Forest" is shattered by a sharp, industrial metallic clang. The music shifts to a high-speed, techno-industrial beat. The green lights are replaced by strobing white and cold steel blue.
In this act, the 96 swimmers discard their natural movements to become a massive, living machine. This requires the absolute highest level of synchronization ever attempted in a pool.
The Machine Hierarchy: Leaders & Roles
To keep a 96-person machine from breaking down, the Squad Leaders act as the primary "Gears," while the Section Leaders ensure the "Pistons" fire in the correct sequence.
The Drive Train
The Main Gears: Feng Yu (China) & Anita Alvarez (USA)
The Piston: Xiao Yanning (China)
Visual Function: Providing the central rotation and power.
The Hydraulic Arms
The Main Gears: Meritxell Mas (Spain) & Linda Cerruti (Italy - Also Section Leader)
Visual Function: Creating vertical pumping motions at the edges.
The Cooling System
The Main Gears: Eve Planeix (France) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
The Piston: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada - Also Squad Leader on The Micro-Processor Main Gear)
Visual Function: Managing the mist and rapid water displacement.
The Micro-Processors
The Main Gears: Moe Higa (Japan)
The Piston: Eve Planeix (France)
Visual Function: Handling the fast-twitch ankle and toe "data" movements.
Act 4: The Machine Highlights
1. The Great Cogwheel
The Squad Leaders move to the center of the pool, interlocking their arms to form a dense hub.
The Choreography: All 96 swimmers form eight "spokes" radiating from this center hub (12 swimmers per spoke).
The Visual: Led by Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez, the entire 96-person wheel begins to rotate. As they spin, each "spoke" performs a synchronized Leg-Extension, rising and falling like the teeth of a gear.
2. The Piston Press
The Section Leaders take over for the most aggressive sequence of the night.
The Choreography: The pool is divided into four blocks. Xiao Yanning (North) and Eve Planeix (South) lead their blocks to sink to the bottom, while Linda Cerruti (East) and Jacqueline Simoneau (West) lead their blocks to explode toward the surface.
The Visual: It looks like a four-cylinder engine firing in slow motion. The water displacement is so massive that the pool's surface level visibly fluctuates.
3. The Digital Pulse (The "Legs-Only" Tribute)
In a nod to the competition that just ended, the 96 swimmers perform a 30-second high-speed technical segment with their heads entirely submerged.
The Choreography: Led by Moe Higa and Nuria Diosdado, the athletes perform "Ankle-Snaps" at 160 beats per minute.
The Visual: 192 legs move in a blurring, robotic wave that mimics the flicker of a computer screen or a rapid mechanical shutter.
The Grand Shutdown
The music reaches a deafening mechanical crescendo and then... Silence. One by one, the "Gears" stop turning. The swimmers go perfectly still, floating vertically. The Squad Leaders are the last to move, slowly lowering their legs into the deep until only the surface of the water remains, illuminated by a single, pale spotlight in the center.
The machine has powered down. A soft, operatic vocal begins to rise for the next transition.
Act #5: The Mirror of Versailles (Baroque Reflections)
The industrial mechanical sounds of the "Machine Age" dissolve into a grand, sweeping orchestral piece. The music is "Parade" by Victor Le Masne—the official anthem of the Paris 2024 Games—but rearranged with a harpsichord and baroque strings.
The pool lights turn a brilliant, shimmering gold, reflecting off the water to mimic the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. In this act, the 96 swimmers split into 48 pairs to create a living "Reflective Surface."
The Versailles Leadership Hierarchy
In this act, the Squad Leaders and Section Leaders act as the "Mirror Masters," ensuring that every movement on the "East" side of the pool is a perfect, frame-by-frame reflection of the "West."
Mirror North
The Master: Feng Yu (China)
The Reflector: Xiao Yanning (China)
Mirror South
The Master: Anita Alvarez (United States)
The Reflector: Eve Planeix (France)
Mirror East
The Master: Meritxell Mas (Spain)
The Reflector: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
Mirror West
The Master: Bregje de Brouwer (Netherlands)
The Reflector: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Act 5: The Reflective Highlights
1. The Hall of Mirrors (The Split-Pool Symmetry)
The 96 swimmers divide into two massive lines facing each other across the center lane.
The Choreography: Led by Meritxell Mas (East) and Bregje de Brouwer (West), the two sides begin a slow, graceful duet. When one side lifts a leg, the other side lifts the opposite leg at the exact same speed and height.
The Visual: From the rafters, it looks as though a giant mirror has been placed down the center of the Olympic Aquatics Centre.
2. The Golden Chandelier (The Vertical Lift)
In the center of the pool, the Squad Leaders come together to form the "Great Chandelier."
The Choreography: Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez are lifted high above the water on a platform made of 16 swimmers (the "Secondary Section Leaders").
The Visual: As the music swells, the leaders perform a series of slow-motion "Port de Bras" (arm movements), their gold-sequined suits catching the light and casting "reflections" across the other 80 swimmers below.
3. The Royal Fountain (The Cadence Action)
Eve Planeix and Xiao Yanning lead a cadence action that mimics the fountains of Versailles.
The Choreography: Starting from the center and moving outward to the edges, each swimmer performs a Back-Rocket Split.
The Visual: It creates a continuous "spout" of legs that travels the length of the 50-meter pool, shimmering like gold water jets against the baroque soundtrack.
The Grand Bow
As the anthem reaches its final chord, all 96 swimmers perform a "Baroque Bow" underwater, bending their bodies in unison as they sink. They leave behind only the floating gold petals they had been carrying in their suits, which now cover the surface of the pool like a royal carpet.
The lights dim to a soft, romantic violet as the sound of the harp takes over.
Act #6: The Impressionist's Garden (Nymphéas en Mouvement)
The golden, rigid royalty of Versailles melts away into a soft, hazy palette of lavender, sage green, and cornflower blue. The music transitions to Claude Debussy’s "Clair de Lune," arranged for a full string orchestra but with a subtle underwater reverb.
The pool becomes a giant canvas. This act is a tribute to Claude Monet, whose garden at Giverny and his famous Water Lilies series serve as the inspiration. The 96 swimmers are no longer machines or mirrors; they are the brushstrokes of a living painting.
The Impressionist Leadership Hierarchy
In this act, the Squad Leaders act as the "Focal Points" (the lilies), while the Section Leaders manage the "Background" (the water and reflections).
The Pink Lillies
The Water Lillies: Wang Liuyi (China) & Kate Shortman (Great Britain)
The Reflections: Xiao Yanning (China)
The Lavender Mist
The Water Lillies: Anita Alvarez (United States) & Eve Planeix (France - Also The Reflections)
The Willow Weep
The Water Lillies: Meritxell Mas (Spain) & Linda Cerruti (Italy - Also The Reflections)
The Blue Current
The Water Lillies: Moe Higa (Japan) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
The Reflections: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Act 6: The Impressionist Highlights
1. The Floating Bloom (The Nymphéas)
The 16 Squad and Secondary Leaders form 8 small clusters across the pool.
The Choreography: One leader lies horizontally on the surface (the lily pad) while her partner performs a slow-motion vertical split through her arms (the blooming flower).
The Visual: Wang Liuyi and Kate Shortman lead their respective "blooms" in a slow rotation. From above, they look like pink and white flowers drifting on a pond, perfectly still except for the unfolding "petals" of their legs.
2. The Weeping Willow (Vertical Sway)
The Section Leaders lead 40 swimmers in a formation that surrounds the lilies.
The Choreography: These swimmers stay at a "Level 3" depth (heads just below the surface) and extend their legs upward, but instead of rigid verticals, they keep their knees soft and ankles loose.
The Visual: Linda Cerruti and Jacqueline Simoneau coordinate a rhythmic, side-to-side sway. The 80 legs look like the branches of a weeping willow hanging over the water, dappled by the soft green and blue spotlights.
3. The Broken Brushstroke (The Ripple)
The remaining 40 swimmers perform the "Background."
The Choreography: Led by Moe Higa, they move in asymmetrical, non-synchronized patterns, performing small "toe-flicks" and "finger-sculls" just under the surface.
The Visual: This mimics Monet’s "broken brushstroke" technique. Instead of a single wave, the water's surface is covered in thousands of tiny, shimmering ripples that catch the lavender and gold lights, making the pool look like an oil painting in motion.
The Final Impression
As the last notes of the piano fade, the 96 swimmers slowly merge into the center, pulling a massive, translucent silk cloth over themselves. The silk is painted with watercolor lilies, and as the swimmers exhale their last bubbles under it, the cloth ripples and heaves like a breathing pond.
The soft pastel world of Monet begins to darken. A deep, pulsing bass beat starts to rumble through the floor of the stadium.
Act #7: The Deep Sea Bioluminescence (Abyssal Light)
The soft, painted garden of the Impressionists vanishes instantly. The arena plunged into total, pitch-black darkness. The only sound is a low-frequency, pulsing electronic thrum—the "heartbeat" of the ocean’s midnight zone.
In this act, the 96 swimmers wear custom fiber-optic LED suits that are programmed to change color in sync with the music. To the audience, the swimmers’ bodies disappear; only the glowing patterns of their legs and arms remain, looking like alien creatures drifting in the abyss.
The Abyssal Leadership Hierarchy
In the dark, visual cues are gone. The Squad Leaders and Section Leaders rely entirely on the "Underwater Metronome" (the pulsing bass) and the glowing lights of their teammates to stay in formation.
The Lures
Angler Core: Feng Yu (China) & Anita Alvarez (United States)
Electric Reef: Meritxell Mas (Spain) & Yoshida Megumu (Japan)
Jellyfish Drift: Eve Planeix (France) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
Biolume Current: Kate Shortman (Great Britain) & Bregje de Brouwer (Netherlands
The Pulse
Angler Core: Xiao Yanning (China)
Electric Reef: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
Jellyfish Drift: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Biolume Current: Eve Planeix (France)
Act 7: Abyssal Highlights
1. The Angler’s Dance (The Central Lure)
In the center, Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez begin with their suits completely dark, except for a single glowing golden point on their head-caps.
The Choreography: They perform a slow-motion vertical duet. As they move, the light "spreads" from their heads down to their limbs, eventually "igniting" the suits of the 14 other champions in the center ring.
The Visual: It looks like a spark of light catching fire in the deep sea, slowly revealing a glowing, golden star of bodies.
2. The Pulsing Jellyfish (The Expansion)
Eve Planeix and Nuria Diosdado lead 40 swimmers in a violet and electric-blue sequence.
The Choreography: The swimmers form 5 large circles. They perform a "Breathe-In/Breathe-Out" move where they tuck into a ball (lights off) and explode into a star-pike (lights on).
The Visual: The pool appears to be filled with giant, translucent jellyfish that pulse with light at the exact same rhythm as the music’s bass-line.
3. The Neon Current (High-Speed Trails)
Xiao Yanning and Jacqueline Simoneau lead the fastest segment.
The Choreography: 32 swimmers move in linear files across the pool, performing rapid "Shark-Fins" and "Rocket Splits." Their suits are programmed with "Trailing Lights"—as they move, the LEDs stay lit for a split second behind them.
The Visual: It looks like long, neon-green and cyan streaks of light cutting through the black water, mimicking the high-speed movement of bioluminescent squid.
The Total Eclipse
The music accelerates into a chaotic, shimmering finale. All 96 swimmers begin a "Free-Form Light Show," snapping their colors between red, blue, and white. Then, on a final, bone-shaking bass drop, every light kills at once. The stadium remains in silence and darkness for five full seconds.
Suddenly, a single, warm spotlight hits the diving platform for a transition to the human element.
Act #8: The Human Fountain (The Living Architecture)
The cold, electric darkness of the abyss is replaced by warm, amber floodlights that make the water look like liquid honey. The music shifts to a powerful, rhythmic percussion—heavy on tribal drums and soaring brass—evoking strength, labor, and triumph.
In this act, the 96 swimmers move away from artistic patterns to showcase the raw power of Acrobatic Synchrony. They will build a multi-tiered "Human Fountain" that spans the entire width of the pool, with layers rising and falling like the gears of a great monument.
The Architectural Hierarchy
This act requires the "Base" swimmers to hold their breath for nearly 60 seconds at a time to support the weight of the "Flyers." The Squad Leaders act as the architectural anchors, while the Section Leaders manage the height of each tier.
Tier #1 (The Pedestal)
The Pillars: Feng Yu (China) & Anita Alvarez (USA)
The Level Masters: Xiao Channing (China)
Supporting the 16-person central "Great Spire"
Tier #2 (The Cascades)
The Pillars: Meritxell Mas (Spain) & Linda Cerruti (Italy)
The Level Masters: Linda Cerrutti (Italy)
Directing the 32 swimmers forming the Side Basins
Tier #3 (The Arches)
The Pillars: Nuria Diosdado (Mexico) & Eve Planeix (France)
The Level Masters: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Leading the 48 swimmers in the Outer Ring of Tosses
Act 8: Architectural Highlights
1. The Great Spire (The Centerpiece)
At the very center of the pool, the Chinese and American squads merge to create the tallest structure ever seen in an exhibition.
The Choreography: Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez stand atop a platform formed by three levels of swimmers. At the peak of the drum solo, they are launched simultaneously into a Double Back-Tuck, crossing paths in mid-air.
The Visual: They appear to be "sculptures" coming to life, launched from a solid base of 14 elite athletes who remain perfectly stationary underwater.
2. The Cascading Basins (The Flow)
Surrounding the Spire, Linda Cerruti and Meritxell Mas lead the European and Asian sections in a rotating lift.
The Choreography: 32 swimmers form pairs. One partner acts as a "spring," launching the other just high enough to perform a "seated" leg pose on the surface before sinking back down.
The Visual: This creates a continuous, circular "pumping" motion that mimics the tiered basins of a grand fountain, with bodies rising and falling in a rhythmic, mechanical wave.
3. The Arch of Triumph (The Perimeter)
The Section Leaders, led by Jacqueline Simoneau, coordinate the outer 48 swimmers.
The Choreography: They perform a "Traveling Arch." In a massive cadence action, swimmers launch themselves out of the water in a pike position, one after another, moving clockwise around the pool.
The Visual: It looks like a solid "ring" of water and bodies encircling the central fountain, a 360-degree display of power and precision.
The Grand Crest
As the music reaches its thunderous finale, the "Spire" Flyers remain standing on the shoulders of the "Base" swimmers. All 96 athletes perform a simultaneous "Power Press"—those underwater push their arms up, while those above water snap into a salute. The fountain "freezes" for three seconds, a massive monument of human effort.
The drums stop. The amber light fades into a soft, cooling white.
Act #9: The Silk Road (The Fabric of Connection)
The heavy, rhythmic drumming of the "Human Fountain" settles into a soul-stirring melody played on a pipa (Chinese lute) and a cello. The lighting shifts to a soft, desert-sand gold and silk-white.
In this act, the 96 swimmers introduce a physical element: 50-meter-long ribbons of weighted white silk. These ribbons are used to literally "thread" the 18 nations together, creating a massive, undulating web that covers the surface of the pool.
The Silk Leadership Hierarchy
This act requires extreme care to avoid entanglement. The Squad Leaders hold the "Anchor Ends" of the silk, while the Section Leaders manage the tension and the "Waves."
The North-South Axis
The Anchors: Feng Yu (China) & Wang Liuyi (China)
The Weavers: Xiao Yanning (China)
The East-West Cross
The Anchors: Anita Alvarez (USA) & Daniella Ramirez (USA)
The Weavers: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
The Mediterranean Loop
The Anchors: Meritxell Mas (Spain) & Iris Tio (Spain)
The Weavers: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
The Global Knot
The Anchors: Eve Planeix (France) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
The Weavers: Moe Higa (Japan)
Act 9: Silk Road Highlights
1. The Opening Thread
Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez start at opposite ends of the pool.
The Choreography: Holding the ends of a 50-meter silk ribbon, they dive deep and swim toward each other. When they meet in the center, they perform a Vertical Twist, spiraling the silk around their bodies like a cocoon.
The Visual: The white silk catches the golden light underwater, looking like a shimmering vein of energy connecting the two powerhouse nations.
2. The Living Loom (The Cross-Weave)
The Section Leaders lead 64 swimmers in a "Loom" formation.
The Choreography: 32 swimmers hold horizontal ribbons while 32 others swim vertically over and under them.
The Visual: Xiao Yanning and Jacqueline Simoneau coordinate the timing so that as the swimmers surface for air, the silk ripples like a white-water rapid. It looks as if the pool is being woven into a giant tapestry in real-time.
3. The Silk Cyclone (The Finale)
The Secondary Leaders (like Iris Tió and Moe Higa) lead the "Peripheral Spin."
The Choreography: All 96 swimmers grab a section of the silk and begin a high-speed Eggbeater kick in a massive circle.
The Visual: The silk lifts off the water's surface, creating a 50-meter "Silk Cyclone." As the swimmers spin, they release the fabric, letting it settle slowly back onto the water like a fallen cloud.
The Connection
At the end of the act, the 96 swimmers are all holding a piece of the same silk web. They perform a collective "Back-Lay" on the surface, supporting the fabric on their chests.
The music transitions into a faster, more festive "Gypsy Jazz" rhythm as the silk is pulled away by the pool's filtration system, clearing the stage for a celebration.
Act #10: The Parisian Street Fair (Joie de Vivre)
The meditative silence of "The Silk Road" is punctured by the upbeat, infectious rhythm of French Gypsy Jazz—think Django Reinhardt meets modern electro-swing. The lights transform the arena into a sun-drenched morning on the Champs-Élysées, with splashes of vibrant red, white, and blue dancing across the water.
In this act, the 18 nations break away from rigid formations to showcase pure personality. It’s the most theatrical part of the night, featuring "street performers," "mimes," and "acrobats" all within the medium of water.
The Street Fair Leadership Hierarchy
The Squad Leaders act as the "Ringmasters" of their specific districts, while the Section Leaders ensure that the chaotic energy remains perfectly timed.
The Ringmasters
The Acrobat Plaza: Anita Alvarez (United States) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
The Artist's Square: Feng Yu & Wang Liuyi (China)
The Waltz District: Eve Planeix (France) & Linda Cerruti (Italy)
The Kinetic Market: Meritxel Mas (Spain) & Moe Higa (Japan)
The Choreographers
The Acrobat Plaza: Daniella Ramirez (USA)
The Artist's Square: Xiao Yanning (China)
The Waltz District: Eve Planeix (France)
The Kinetic Market: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Act 10: Street Fair Highlights
1. The Underwater Mime (The Illusion)
Eve Planeix and Anita Alvarez lead a theatrical sequence where 24 swimmers appear to be "trapped in a box" just beneath the surface.
The Choreography: Using only their hands and faces against the surface tension of the water, they mimic the classic French mime routine.
The Visual: When the music hits a "pop," they shatter the box, exploding into a Triple Back-Tuck launch supported by their teammates below.
2. The Human Bicycle (The Kinetic Race)
In a tribute to the Tour de France, Jacqueline Simoneau and Moe Higa lead 40 swimmers in a "Peloton" formation.
The Choreography: The swimmers lie on their sides and use their legs to create a "pedaling" motion in perfect unison.
The Visual: As they "race" across the pool, Xiao Yanning leads the inner circle to perform a "Wheel-Spin," where 12 swimmers lock feet and rotate like a high-speed bicycle wheel, throwing spray into the air.
3. The Can-Can Kickline (The Grand Finale)
The Section Leaders bring all 96 swimmers into a massive, 50-meter-long line stretching from one side of the pool to the other.
The Choreography: Re-creating the famous Moulin Rouge dance, the athletes perform a synchronized Water Can-Can.
The Visual: 192 legs snap into the air in a perfect ripple effect. Led by Linda Cerruti and Meritxell Mas, the line alternates between high kicks and "skirt-swish" hand movements, creating a rhythmic splashing that keeps time with the jazz beat.
The Celebration
The act ends with a "Flash Mob" energy. The 96 swimmers are no longer in blocks; they are scattered across the pool, high-fiving (underwater) and performing their favorite individual technical moves. On the final "Honk" of a vintage car horn in the music, all 96 athletes dive to the bottom, leaving the surface perfectly still.
The upbeat jazz fades into a single, low-frequency hum. The "Street Fair" is over, and the atmosphere becomes cosmic.
Act #11: The Galaxy of Nations (Star-Map Synchrony)
The festive energy of the "Parisian Street Fair" evaporates into a silent, celestial void. The arena lights dim to a deep, cosmic indigo. A single, crystalline note from a glass armonica rings out, followed by a cinematic, ambient score that sounds like the very breath of the universe.
In this penultimate act, the 96 swimmers represent starlight. They move into 18 distinct clusters, each forming a "Constellation" representing their home nation's spirit.
The Galactic Leadership Hierarchy
This act requires the Squad Leaders to act as "North Stars"—the fixed points of light around which the galaxies rotate. The Section Leaders act as the "Gravity," pulling the constellations into a unified orbital path.
North Stars
The Solar Core: Feng Yu (China)
The Nebula Path: Anita Alvarez (United States)
The Horizon Line: Eve Planeix (France)
The Pulsar Pulse: Meritxell Mas (Spain)
The Gravity
The Solar Core: Xiao Yanning (China)
The Nebula Path: Daniella Ramirez (United States)
The Horizon Line: Eve Planeix (France)
The Pulsar Pulse: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
Act 11: Galactic Highlights
1. The 18 Constellations (The National Maps)
Each nation moves to a designated spot in the pool.
The Choreography: Guided by their Squad Leaders, the teams form geometric shapes.
The Southern Cross: Rayna Buckle leads Australia into a 5-point diamond.
The Big Dipper: Anita Alvarez and the USA form the iconic scoop.
The Dragon’s Tail: Feng Yu leads China into a long, winding "S" curve.
The Visual: From the rafters, the pool looks like a high-resolution telescope view of the night sky, with 96 "stars" shimmering in 18 distinct patterns.
2. The Supernova (The Galactic Merge)
The Section Leaders signal the "Collapse."
The Choreography: All 18 constellations begin to drift toward the center of the pool. As they merge, they perform a Slow-Motion Barracuda, rising vertically until their waists are out of the water, arms reaching upward to catch the "starlight."
The Visual: Led by Xiao Yanning and Daniella Ramirez, the 18 separate groups collide into one massive, blindingly white "Supernova" of bodies in the center of the pool.
3. The Orbital Drift (The Final Rotation)
Once merged into the Supernova, the 96 swimmers transition into a Floating Spiral.
The Choreography: Every swimmer locks an ankle with the person next to them. Using only their "Sculling" hands, they begin a slow, silent rotation that covers the entire 50-meter pool.
The Visual: It is a 96-person "Galaxy." Eve Planeix and Linda Cerruti ensure the rotation is so smooth it looks like the pool itself is spinning.
The Cosmic Silence
As the music thins out to a single, high-pitched violin note, the "Galaxy" expands. The swimmers drift apart until they are evenly spaced across the entire pool, floating perfectly still on their backs. The lights slowly transition from indigo to a soft, dawn-like pink.
The universe has been born. Now, it is time for the world to unite for the final goodbye.
Act #12: L'Unite (The Unity)
Part 1: The Strength of Nations
0:00-1:30
Squad Leaders: Feng Yu (CHN) & Anita Alvarez (USA)
The Tidal Charge: The leaders lead two massive 48-person phalanxes from opposite ends. They meet in the center for a high-impact ""Power Push,"" where the entire group explodes upward simultaneously."
1:30-3:00
Section Leaders: Xiao Yanning (CHN) & Daniella Ramirez (USA)
The Interlock Grid: The Section Leaders take over to manage the ""Precision weave."" All 96 swimmers move into a tight mosaic pattern, performing high-speed ""Arm-Sprints"" that create a foam-covered surface."
3:00-4:30
Squad Leaders: Meritxell Mas (ESP) & Eve Planeix (FRA)
The Grand Tower: The European leaders coordinate the ""Structural Build."" The 96 swimmers form three tiered pyramids. The Squad leaders are the ""Apex,"" being held 3 meters above the water by the Section leaders below."
4:30-5:00
All 18 Squad Leaders
The Transition: All leaders move to the center. On a massive orchestral swell, the 96 swimmers perform a ""Back-Rocket"" dive to go submerged for the Part II transition.
Part 2: The "Invisible Artistry"
Music: "L'Hymne à l'amour" (Modern Electronic/Orchestral Hybrid – 120 BPM)
The Submerged Hierarchy (5-Minute Endurance Guard)
The Pulse (Minutes 5-7)
Squad Leaders: Feng Yu (China) & Anita Alvarez (USA)
Section Leader: Xiao Yanning (CHina)
The Wave (Minutes 7-9)
Squad Leaders: Meritxell Mas (Spain) and Linda Cerruti (Italy)
Section Leader: Linda Cerruti (Italy)
The Goodbye (Minute 10)
Squad Leaders: Eve Planeix (France) & Nuria Diosdado (Mexico)
Section Leader: Jacqueline Simoneau (Canada)
Minute 5:00 – 6:30: The Forest of Verticals
The Entry: All 96 swimmers dive. For 10 seconds, the pool is empty. Then, 192 legs snap to a perfect 90-degree vertical.
The Action: Led by Xiao Yanning, the grid performs a "Binary Pulse." Even-numbered rows perform a 360-degree spin while odd-numbered rows hold a static "Crane" position.
The Visual: It looks like a massive, silver-and-gold machine rotating in the water. The height is maintained at the mid-thigh to show maximum power.
Minute 6:30 – 8:00: The Geometric Weave (The Olympic Rings)
The Shift: The 96 swimmers move into five interlocking circular clusters while submerged.
The Move: Managed by Linda Cerruti, the swimmers use their legs to interlock at the ankles, creating a floating, 3D version of the Olympic Rings.
The Technicality: They perform a "Vertical Sink and Pop" within the rings—the rings "breathe" (expand and contract) using only leg sculling.
Minute 8:00 – 9:00: The Kinetic Helix
The Endurance Peak: Lactic acid is at its maximum. Anita Alvarez and Feng Yu lead a "Continuous Spin" sequence.
The Action: The 96 swimmers perform a slow, 5-meter traveling "Helix" across the pool. The legs move in a corkscrew motion while the bodies remain submerged. The water begins to foam from the sheer friction of 192 legs moving at 120 BPM.
Minute 9:00 – 9:40: The "Legs-Only" Goodbye Wave
The Transition: The music drops to a soaring choral anthem. The 96 swimmers sink until only the calves and feet are visible.
The "Goodbye" Gesture: Led by Jacqueline Simoneau, the feet begin a sinuous, lateral "waving" motion.
The Articulation: Using intricate ankle flexion, the legs mimic the "Goodbye" wave of a hand. Because of the 96-person scale, it creates a hypnotic "Aegean Ripple" that travels from the center to the edges of the pool.
Minute 9:40 – 10:00: The Final Submergence
The Salute: On the final soaring chord, the waving stops. The legs snap into a razor-sharp "Toe-Point" directed at the rafters.
The Vanish: Led by Eve Planeix, the 96 swimmers perform a "Screw-Down Descent." They spin rapidly into the depths, sinking inch-by-inch until the very last toes disappear.
The Stillness: At 10:00, the music cuts. The surface is a perfect, silent mirror.
The Final Bow
After 5 minutes of being "faceless," the 96 athletes surface together in a massive ring. They link hands, acknowledging the crowd and the "Invisible Art" they just performed.
Here's The Commentary of the Last 5 Minutes of the Routine
[05:00 – Part 2 Begins] Sloane Martin: "The tempo has shifted, the lights have dimmed to a deep violet, and as that digital clock hits the five-minute mark, all 96 athletes have vanished. We are entering the 'Invisible Artistry'—five minutes of pure, legs-only endurance."
Heather Olson: "This is the ultimate test, Sloane. For the next 300 seconds, you won't see a single face. They are relying on 'Oxygen-Sipping' and incredible CO2 tolerance. There they are! 192 legs snapping into that 'Forest of Verticals.' Look at the height Feng Yu and Anita Alvarez are maintaining—they are nearly at the hip line!"
[06:30 – The Olympic Rings] Sloane Martin: "The grid is breaking apart... they are moving into clusters. Heather, are they doing what I think they’re doing?"
Heather Olson: "They are. Linda Cerruti is managing this 'Geometric Weave.' While completely submerged and blind to the surface, these 96 women are interlocking at the ankles to form the Olympic Rings. It’s a 3D human monument. To maintain that 'breathing' expansion and contraction of the rings using only leg sculling? That is world-class core strength."
[08:00 – The Kinetic Helix] Sloane Martin: "The music is swelling, that orchestral-hybrid beat is driving now. Look at the water—it’s actually starting to foam!"
Heather Olson: "That’s the 'Kinetic Helix.' Xiao Yanning has them in a continuous corkscrew spin while traveling five meters across the pool. At this point, eight minutes into the total routine, the lactic acid is at a screaming peak. But look at the symmetry—not a single leg is out of alignment. They are moving like a single, 192-limbed organism."
[09:00 – The Transition to Phase III: "The Goodbye"] Sloane Martin: "We are in the final sixty seconds of this grueling five-minute inverted marathon. You can see the water settling as they descend. They’re disappearing, Heather—only the ankles and feet remain."
Heather Olson: "This is the most poetic minute in artistic swimming. Eve Planeix and Nuria Diosdado are your Squad Leaders here, and their job is to keep 96 women perfectly buoyant at the same depth while their lungs are absolutely screaming. Look at the alignment—it’s like a forest of marble."
[09:20 – The Aegean Ripple] Sloane Martin: "There it is. The wave. 192 feet beginning to move in that sinuous, lateral ripple. It’s hypnotic."
Heather Olson: "That is the Jacqueline Simoneau effect. As the Section Leader for this goodbye, she’s initiating the ankle flexion. It’s a stagger, Sloane—a 0.2-second delay between each swimmer. They are mimicking the human hand. It’s a physical 'thank you' to Paris, performed by the only parts of their bodies we can see."
[09:45 – The Final Salute] Sloane Martin: "The waving stops. Every toe is locked. Every muscle is tensed for the final count."
Heather Olson: "The 'Snap-to-Vertical.' Planeix and Diosdado have signaled the closure. They are pointing directly at the rafters, toward the Olympic spirit. It’s total stillness. In a sport defined by movement, this silence is the loudest thing in the arena."
[09:55 – The Vanishing] Sloane Martin: "The 'Screw-Down Sink.' They’re spinning! A rapid, corkscrew descent into the deep!"
Heather Olson: "Look at the water surface... it’s not even breaking. They are spinning so precisely that they’re drilling into the depths. Inch by inch... ankles... toes... and they’re gone."
[10:00 – The Conclusion] Sloane Martin: "Total stillness in Saint-Denis. 300 seconds of invisible mastery. And there they are! 96 heads breaking the surface as one! Feng Yu, Anita Alvarez, and Eve Planeix leading the chain! The crowd is on its feet—what a spectacular farewell!"
And so there you have it as the Artistic Swimming competition of the 2024 Summer Olympics are now over 192 Legs belonging to 96 Artistic Swimmers waving goodbye to the Paris Crowd.
And Coming Up Next: What would 2028 Look Like with predictions to see who will go to LA?
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