What if the Intercalated Games Look Like for Artistic Swimming? (Part 2 - January 28, 2026)

In 1994, When CBS won the Rights to the Intercalated Games the Opening Ceremonies took place in the SkyDome of Toronto home of the Toronto Blue Jays

However Greg Gumbel anchored the show from the Skydome Hotel Broadcast Center and we saw a Border Battle between USA for Canada

Track & Field: The 100m final at the CNE Grandstand is the event of the decade. Canada’s Donovan Bailey vs. the USA’s Carl Lewis. The atmosphere in Toronto is electric, and the "world’s fastest man" title stays on North American soil.

Basketball: The "Dream Team II" (featuring Shaq and Reggie Miller) plays their games in the newly built "Canada Coliseum" in North York. This event cements the popularity of basketball in Canada a year before the Raptors ever play a game.

The "Summer Hockey" Exhibition: To appease Canadian fans, the Intercalated Games feature a one-time "In-Line Hockey" tournament inside Maple Leaf Gardens, which becomes a viral 90s sensation.

However with CBS Broadcasting Major League Baseball and Despite MLB Players are competing in the Summer Olympics and the Intercalated Games, There is No Olympic Break

But For Artistic Swimming it took place in the Etobicoke Olympium in Toronto from July 28 to August 4, 1994

Broadcast Crews

PBP: Verne Lundquist

Color: Candy Costie

Guest Analyst: Carolyn Waldo

Field Reporter: Andrea Joyce

However The Team Competition Experiment to 8+2 Rule so as a Result 8 Swimmers will perform a Technical and Free and All 10 for Legs Only

THE ROSTERS FOR ALL TEN TEAMS COMPETING

USA: Becky Dyroen-Lancer, Jill Sudduth, Suzannah Bianco, Tammy Cleland, Jill Savery, Nathalie Schneyder, Heather Simmons, Margot Thien, Heather Pease, Emily Porter

Canada: Lisa Alexander, Erin Woodley, Janice Bremner, Karen Clark, Carrie Daguerre, Karen Fonteyne, Kasia Kulesza, Cari Read, Kathy Kusel, Chantal Vallieres

Japan: Fumiko Okuno, Miya Tachibana, Miho Takeda, Raika Fujii, Rei Jimbo, Akiko Kawase, Kaori Takahashi, Masayo Yajima, Junko Tanaka, Yuko Yoneda

Russia: Olga Brusnikina, Elena Antonova, Elena Azarova, Olga Sedakova, Anna Iouriaeva, Maria Kisseleva, Olga Novokschenova, Gana Maksimova, Elizaveta Filatkina Yuliya Pankratova

France: Virginie Dedieu, Marianne Aeschbacher, Myriam Lignot, Celine Leveque, Julie Fabre, Isabelle Manable, Charlotte Massardier, Magali Rathier, Eva Riffet, Delphine Marechal

Italy: Giovanna Burlando, Paola Celli, Giadi Ballan, Serena Bianchi, Mara Brunetti, Manuela Carnini, Maurizia Cecconi, Roberta Farinelli, Letizia Nuzzo, Simona Ricotta

China: Li Min, Tan Min, Wu Chanlan, Fu Yanhua, Guo Cui, Jin Na, Li Yuanyuan, Pan Yan, Wang Fang, Long Yan

Mexico: Erika Leal, Sonia Cardenas, Elizabeth Cervantes, Maria Elena Giusti (lured from Veneezuela), Ariadna Medina, Berenice Guzman, Wendy Aguilar, Lilian Leal, Ingrid Reich, Patricia Vila

Non-Team Specialists will Contest Solo & Duet and Participate in the Exhibition Gala

Australia: Naomi Young & Kara Worth

Austria: Beatrix Mullner

Brazil: Fernanda Veirano & Christiana Lobo

Great Britain: Kerry Shacklock & Laila Vakil

Greece: Christina Thalassinidou

Spain: Maria Jose Costa & Sonia Huravo

Switzerland: Rahel Haffner & Magali Brunner

Ukraine: Svitlana Rudkovska & Iryna Chermazov

Solo Performance Highlights

The Gold Medal: Becky Dyroen-Lancer (USA)

The Theme: "The Phoenix Rising"

The Routine: Becky’s technical mastery was so high that she performed maneuvers previously thought impossible for a soloist.

The "Wow" Factor: During her "Free" routine, she executed a continuous spinning 720-degree rotation while maintaining a height that kept her entire waist above the surface.

The Score: She received three perfect 10.0s for technical merit.

Verne Lundquist’s Call: "She isn't just swimming, Candy; she's levitating! Look at the control! Absolute, unadulterated perfection."

The Silver Medal: Fumiko Okuno (Japan)

The Theme: "The Samurai Spirit"

The Routine: Okuno focused on speed and agility. While Becky was about height and power, Okuno was about the "blur."

The "Wow" Factor: Her leg-speed during the "Bicycle" sequence was so fast that the CBS cameras had to use a high-speed shutter just to keep her legs from appearing as a strobe light.

The Score: She edged out the home favorite by just 0.05 points due to her superior technical score in the compulsory elements.

The Bronze Medal: Lisa Alexander (Canada)

The Theme: "Northern Majesty"

The Routine: Set to a symphonic arrangement of The Hockey Night in Canada theme transitioning into The Power of Love.

The "Wow" Factor: The crowd roar was so loud that Lisa later admitted she couldn't hear the underwater speakers. She relied entirely on her internal rhythm to stay on beat.

The Result: Her artistic impression scores were the second-highest of the night, fueled by the emotional connection with the Toronto audience.

DUET

1. The Technical Battle (Day #8)

The Technical round required all pairs to perform five mandatory elements. The story here was the Japanese "Piston" Technique.

Japan (Okuno & Tachibana): They executed their required spins with such synchronization that their legs appeared to be a single mechanical part. They took a narrow lead in the technical score over Canada.

The Standings after Day #8: 1. USA (9.9) 2. Japan (9.7) 3. Canada (9.6)

2. The Free Routine Finals (Day #9)

This was the "Main Event." The Etobicoke Olympium was a sea of red and white, but the American presence was felt as fans traveled up from Buffalo and Detroit to witness history.

The Gold Medal: Becky Dyroen-Lancer & Jill Sudduth (USA)

The Routine: "The Firebird" (Stravinsky)

The Performance: The Americans focused on height. In their opening lift, Sudduth was launched so high that her feet were entirely clear of Dyroen-Lancer’s shoulders while still in a full split.

The "Synchro" Factor: During their underwater sequences, CBS used the "Floor-Cam" to show that even their finger movements were identical. They were the only pair to receive a "10" for Synchronization.

Score: 99.60

The Silver Medal: Lisa Alexander & Erin Woodley (Canada)

The Routine: "The Northern Lights"

The Performance: If the Americans were about power, the Canadians were about travel. They utilized the entire Olympic-sized pool, performing high-speed patterns that covered 20% more surface area than any other team.

The Crowd Effect: When they performed their signature "Carousel" spin in the center of the pool, the noise in the arena reached 105 decibels.

Score: 98.80 (A career-best for the duo)

The Bronze Medal: Fumiko Okuno & Miya Tachibana (Japan)

The Routine: "Eternal Seasons"

The Performance: Japan’s routine featured the most complex legwork of the night. Their "Eggbeater" kick was so powerful they maintained a steady height above the water for nearly 40 seconds of the routine.

Score: 97.90

TEAM

This was the climax of the 1994 Toronto Intercalated Games. CBS billed it as "The Triple Threat," a grueling three-day progression that tested stamina, artistry, and finally, the experimental "Deca-Legs" endurance.

While the Solo and Duet events were about individual brilliance, the Team portion was about the collective power of the 8+2 Roster Rule.

Part 1: Team Technical (Day #10) – "The Power of 8"

Per the rules, only 8 swimmers were in the water. This was about "Military Precision."

The Format: Teams had to perform five required elements (including the "Circle of Fire" and "Submerged Ballet Leg") to a standardized, high-tempo CBS-orchestrated track.

The USA Strategy: The Americans relied on their veteran core. Led by Becky Dyroen-Lancer, their synchronization was so tight that from the side-view cameras, it looked like only one person was swimming.

The Standings:

USA: 9.8 (Flawless required elements)

Canada: 9.7 (Higher lifts, slightly less synchronization)

Japan: 9.6 (Incredible speed, but a minor deduction on a travel error)

Part 2: Team Free (Day #11) – "The Spectacle of 8"

This was the routine where coaches could go wild with choreography. Again, only 8 swimmers were used, allowing for maximum speed and "travel" across the pool.

Canada’s "Maple Leaf" Routine: Set to a symphonic medley of 90s Canadian pop (Celine Dion and Bryan Adams), the Canadians performed a "Triple Launch" where three swimmers were thrown into the air simultaneously. The Etobicoke Olympium nearly shook from the noise.

Russia’s "Swan Lake" Evolution: A young Olga Brusnikina led a routine that combined classical ballet with modern power. They moved from 5th in the Technical to a solid 4th in the Free.

The Judges' Dilemma: CBS analyst Candy Costie noted: "USA is technically superior, but Canada is winning on pure emotional impact and height."

The Scores (Combined Technical & Free):

USA: 19.75

Canada: 19.72 (The gap was now only 0.03 points)

Part 3: The "Deca-Legs" Final (Day #12) – "The 100-Leg Finale"

This was the historic moment. For the first time, the all 10 swimmers (The 8 + 2 alternates) entered the pool. Since this was Legs Only, the focus was entirely on core strength and lower-body synchronization.

The Physical Challenge: Because they couldn't use their arms for stabilization, having 10 people in the water made the "suction" and "currents" in the pool much more difficult to manage.

The USA "Keyboard" (10 Swimmers): The Americans stayed in a 2-by-5 block. They performed a sequential "ripple" where all 10 pairs of legs rose in a wave. It looked like a living piano.

The Canada "Star" (10 Swimmers): Canada utilized their two "fresh" alternates to anchor a massive 10-person circle. They performed a "Deca-Split," where all 20 legs dropped into a perfect 180-degree split at the same time.

The Turning Point: The "Blind Rotation"

During the final 30 seconds, Canada performed a 10-person rotation while completely submerged (legs only above water). When they emerged, their alignment was still perfect. The Americans had a slight "drift" on their 10-person line due to the turbulence of the extra swimmers.

Gold: Canada - 9.7 (T) + 9.8 (F) + 10.0 (DL) = 29.50

Silver: USA - 9.8 (T) + 9.8 (F) + 9.7 (DL) = 29.40

Bronze: Japan - 9.6 (T) + 9.7 (F) + 9.6 (DL) = 28.90

THE EXHIBITION GALA

Studio Host & Lead PBP: Jim Nantz

PBP #2: Verne Lundquist

Co-Expert Analysts: Candy Costie & Carolyn Waldo

Act #1: The Centennial Swirl

The Soundtrack: A custom-mixed, 8-minute orchestral medley titled "The Spirit of Toronto." It began with the haunting synth-pads of Vangelis, transitioned into a high-tempo percussion-heavy remix of Yanni’s "Santorini," and culminated in a sweeping, cinematic version of Celine Dion’s "The Power of Love."

The Leadership Structure

To coordinate 100 swimmers simultaneously, the pool was divided into two "Flotillas": the Primary Squad (The Elite Eight nations) and the Secondary Squad (The Specialist Eight).

The Primary Squad (Inner Circle)

These 50 swimmers occupied the center of the pool, performing the high-impact lifts and the "power" maneuvers.

Primary Squad Leader: Becky Dyroen-Lancer (USA)

Role: As the Solo Gold Medalist, she was the "North Star." Every swimmer timed their breathing and movements based on her hand signals during the deck work.

Secondary Primary Leader: Lisa Alexander (CAN)

Role: Positioned at the opposite end of the formation, ensuring the home-team energy remained high.

The Secondary Squad (Outer Ring)

These 50 swimmers from the specialist nations (Greece, Switzerland, Ukraine, etc.) created the "Atmosphere," forming massive moving borders and geometric frames.

Secondary Squad Leader: Christina Thalassinidou (GRE)

Role: Representing the origin of the Games, she led the outer perimeter, timing the massive ripple effects that moved from the outside in.

Assistant Secondary Leader: Marianne Aeschbacher (FRA)

Role: Managed the "Artistic Flourish" of the outer ring, coordinating the arm-choreography that mimicked a blooming flower.

Full-Length Detail: The Routine

0:00–2:00: The Entry (Vangelis) All 100 swimmers lined the entire perimeter of the Etobicoke Olympium. At the first heavy synth-chord, they performed a "Sequential Dive"—starting with Becky Dyroen-Lancer and rippling all the way around the pool until the 100th swimmer (Beatrix Müllner of Austria) hit the water. The sound was like a continuous thunderclap.

2:00–4:30: The Kaleidoscope (Yanni - "Santorini") The 100 swimmers formed ten 10-person circles. Each circle acted as a "cog" in a giant machine.

The Deca-Legs Connection: Using the skills learned on Day #12, all 100 swimmers simultaneously performed a vertical leg-split.

The Visual: From the CBS "Sky-Cam," the pool looked like a massive, 10-piece gears-of-a-clock system, with 100 legs spinning in perfect unison.

4:30–6:30: The Great Wall & The Tsunami The swimmers broke their circles to form a massive 100-person "wall" across the width of the pool.

The Maneuver: Starting from the center (Becky and Lisa), the swimmers performed a "Power Scull," moving the entire 100-person line from one end of the pool to the other without breaking their grip.

Jim Nantz's Commentary: "Verne, I’ve seen the 'Wave' at the SkyDome, but I’ve never seen a human wave made of 100 athletes moving with this much force. It's breathtaking."

6:30–8:00: The "Centennial Star" Finale (Celine Dion) For the finale, the 100 swimmers converged into the center.

The Formation: They created a 10-pointed star. In the very center, the 10 Primary Squad leaders were lifted high above the water by the 90 swimmers beneath them.

The Final Image: As the final note of "The Power of Love" rang out, the 10 leaders released white rose petals from their hands, which floated onto the surface of the pool, while the 90 base-swimmers performed a final, massive splash-back.

Act #2: The Diva’s Solo

The Theme: "Breathless Elegance"

The Soundtrack: A live-performance recording of Celine Dion’s "The Power of Love" (the #1 hit of 1994). The track was specially edited to remove the percussion in the middle, leaving only Celine’s soaring vocals and a haunting piano melody.

The Performance Details

The Deck Work (The "Tease"): Becky appeared on the pool deck wearing a custom-designed, midnight-blue velvet swimsuit encrusted with over 2,000 Swarovski crystals that caught the CBS stadium lights. Instead of a traditional entry, she performed a balletic adagio for 30 seconds on the edge, mirroring the emotional buildup of the song's first verse.

The Entry: On the first powerful chorus ("Cause I'm your lady..."), she didn't just dive; she performed a "Reverse Pike Fall," dropping backward into the water with zero splash, a maneuver she had perfected with the Santa Clara Aquamaids.

The Signature Move: "The Heartbeat Spinner": As a nod to her own personal history (having survived open-heart surgery as a child), Becky performed a sequence where she held a vertical position with one leg tucked—mimicking the shape of a heart—while spinning in a slow, hypnotic 360-degree rotation.

The Difficulty: This was performed without a nose clip (a rarity for an exhibition), allowing her to maintain a more natural and expressive facial performance for the CBS "Close-Up" cameras.

Act #3: Latin Heat

The Theme: "Ritmo de la Noche" (Rhythm of the Night)

The Soundtrack: A high-octane 1994 "Global Remix" featuring Gloria Estefan’s "Mi Tierra" blended into a percussion-heavy Samba finale. It was fast, loud, and designed to get the Toronto crowd out of their seats.

The Leadership & Squads

With 20 swimmers, the choreography required two distinct "Captains" to keep the synchronization from descending into chaos.

Primary Squad Leader (Mexico): Erika Leal

Role: Known for her incredible leg speed, Erika led the "Technical Center," coordinating the rapid-fire footwork sequences.

Secondary Squad Leader (Brazil): Cristiana Lobo

Role: The "Artistic Director" in the water, she managed the expressive arm movements and the flamboyant deck-work that started the act.

The Performance Highlights

The "Samba" Deck Entry: Instead of a traditional walk-on, the 20 women entered from both sides of the pool performing a synchronized "Samba Step." They wore neon-bright suits—Mexico in vibrant green and gold, Brazil in electric blue and yellow. On the first beat of the percussion, all 20 performed a simultaneous backflip into the water.

The "Human Fan" Formation: In the center of the pool, the 20 swimmers linked arms to form two concentric circles of ten.

The Move: The inner circle (Mexico) rotated clockwise while the outer circle (Brazil) rotated counter-clockwise.

The Visual: From the CBS Sky-Cam, it looked like a giant, colorful gear or a tropical flower spinning at high speed.

The "Vertical Carnival": The highlight of Act #3 was a 20-person "Legs Only" sequence. All 20 swimmers went underwater and performed a rapid "Bicycle" kick in unison.

The Twist: They moved their legs in a wave pattern that traveled from the front of the pool to the back, mimicking the "The Wave" seen in baseball stadiums, but performed entirely with 40 legs in the air.

The Finale of Act #3

The routine ended with a "Grand Launch." The 10 Brazilian swimmers formed a submerged platform, and they launched the 10 Mexican swimmers into the air one by one in a rapid-fire sequence. As the final Mexican swimmer (Erika Leal) hit the water, the Brazilian squad emerged with a collective "Héy!" and a massive splash toward the cameras.

Act #4: The European Suite

The Theme: "Renaissance of the Water"

The Soundtrack: A lush, cinematic orchestral medley starting with Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons (Winter)" (to honor Italy), transitioning into Edith Piaf’s "La Vie En Rose" (for France), and ending with a powerful Greek-inspired symphonic crescendo.

The Leadership & "Quad-Nation" Squads

With 30 swimmers in the pool, the leadership was split between the two "Power" captains and the two "Artistic" captains.

Primary Squad Leader (France): Marianne Aeschbacher

Role: The "Choreographer." She ensured the French avant-garde style was the backbone of the act.

Secondary Squad Leader (Italy): Giovanna Burlando

Role: The "Tempo-Keeper." She synchronized the Italian squad's trademark speed with the rest of the group.

Specialist Leaders: Christina Thalassinidou (GRE) and Rahel Haffner (SUI)

Role: They led the "Architectural" wing, responsible for the perfectly symmetrical Greek-column formations.

The Performance Highlights

The "Floating Cathedral": The 30 swimmers entered the water silently from four corners. They met in the center to form a massive, multi-layered geometric shape.

The Move: While the French and Italian squads formed a "foundation" of horizontal sculling, the Greek and Swiss swimmers rose through the center in slow-motion vertical towers.

The Visual: From the CBS Sky-Cam, it looked like a living, breathing cathedral spire rising out of the blue water.

The "Ethereal Scull": During the "La Vie En Rose" segment, the music slowed to a crawl. All 30 women performed a "closed-eye" sequence.

The Difficulty: Relying purely on the underwater speakers and the "feel" of the water from their teammates, they performed a synchronized 360-degree slow roll.

Carolyn Waldo's Note: "Jim, to do this without sight is the ultimate test of trust. They are feeling the vibrations of the person next to them."

The "Venetian Wave": As the music transitioned back to Vivaldi, the Italians led a "Cascading Waterfall." One by one, the 30 swimmers performed a back-tuck somersault, creating a continuous rolling wave that traveled the entire length of the 50-meter pool.

The Finale of Act #4

The act concluded with the 30 swimmers forming a giant "Crescent Moon." As the Greek symphonic finale peaked, they all performed a "Flamingo" leg extension—30 legs piercing the surface in a perfect arc—while the Italian and French leaders blew kisses to the Toronto crowd.

Act #5: Shadow Play

The Theme: "L'Ombre et la Lumière" (The Shadow and the Light)

The Soundtrack: A haunting, rhythmic track from the 1994 film Léon: The Professional soundtrack by Eric Serra. It featured a deep, pulsing bass and an ethereal, echoing flute melody that felt both modern and mysterious.

The Performers: The French Avant-Garde

Primary Leader: Marianne Aeschbacher

Secondary Leader: Myriam Lignot

The Look: They wore unique "Optical Illusion" suits—matte black on one side and reflective silver on the other—making them appear to vanish and reappear as they rotated in the water.

The Performance Highlights

The "Invis-Entry": Instead of walking to the center of the deck, the pair entered the water at the dark end of the pool and swam underwater for 25 meters. They emerged simultaneously in the center of the two spotlights exactly as the first bass note hit. CBS used a "Ghosting" filter on the broadcast to make their movements look trailed and blurred.

The "Mirror Shadow": The highlight of the routine was a sequence where Myriam Lignot stayed almost entirely submerged, acting as the "shadow" of Marianne Aeschbacher.

The Move: As Marianne performed a high-vertical leg extension, Myriam performed the exact same move directly beneath her, but inverted.

The Visual: From the side-view "Window-Cam," it looked like one person being reflected in a dark mirror.

The "Disappearing Spin": Using their half-black, half-silver suits, the duo performed a high-speed "Twizzler" spin. Because of the lighting and the fabric, the swimmers seemed to flicker like a strobe light, a visual effect that Jim Nantz noted was unlike anything ever seen in Toronto.

Finale: The music faded into a single, long flute note. The two swimmers drifted apart, moving slowly toward the edges of the light. On the final beat, they performed a "Sink-Down" while holding their hands up in a "Stop" gesture, their silver palms being the last thing visible before the lights went to black.

Act #6: The Rising Sun

The arena lights at the Etobicoke Olympium didn't just dim—they were completely extinguished. The crowd went silent until a low, rhythmic Taiko drum began to beat.

The Theme: "The Neon Shogun"

The Performers: Team Japan (Full 10-Person Squad)

The Soundtrack: A high-speed techno-traditional fusion featuring heavy Taiko percussion and 90s acid-synth lines.

The "Glow" Innovation

In a move that pre-dated modern LED suits, the Japanese team wore suits coated in a specialized 1994-era bioluminescent gel and UV-reactive tape. Under the "Blacklight" stadium setting, the swimmers appeared as 10 glowing neon skeletons floating in a dark void.

The Routine Highlights:

The "Human Fan": The 10 swimmers formed a vertical line. Using the 8+2 roster, they expanded into a massive 10-point fan. Because only their limbs were glowing, it looked like a giant, neon geometric shape opening and closing.

The "Speed Spin": Japan’s trademark fast leg-work was amplified by the lights. 20 glowing legs performed a "bicycle" at such speed that it created a blur of neon light on the CBS broadcast.

The "Submerged Lotus": All 10 swimmers went deep, then rose slowly. As they breached the surface, they "flicked" the water, which had been treated with a safe, glow-in-the-dark additive, creating a shimmering neon spray.

Act #7: The New Frontier

The Theme: "The Rise of the Titans"

The Soundtrack: A powerful, cinematic fusion of Prokofiev’s "Dance of the Knights" blended into a modern 1994 industrial orchestral track. It was heavy, dramatic, and signaled a departure from "pretty" ballet toward "athletic" intensity.

The Leadership & The "Iron" Squads

The 20 swimmers moved with a rigid, almost military-like discipline that stunned the CBS cameras.

Primary Squad Leader (Russia): Olga Sedakova

Role: The veteran "General." She commanded the inner 10-person block, ensuring the traditional Russian grace remained intact.

Secondary Squad Leader (Russia/Future GOAT): Olga Brusnikina

Role: Even at 17, she was the "Acrobatic Lead," spearheading the massive vertical launches.

Secondary Squad Leader (Ukraine): Svitlana Rudkovska

Role: The "Power Anchor," leading the Ukrainian squad in the high-intensity legwork sequences.

The Performance Highlights

The "Titan" Launch: Unlike the graceful launches of earlier acts, the Russians and Ukrainians used a "Double-Tiered Platform." * The Move: Six swimmers created a base, four created a second level underwater, and they launched Olga Brusnikina nearly four feet out of the water.

The Visual: She emerged in a perfect vertical, performed a double-twist, and re-entered the water like a needle.

The "Iron Gate" Formation: The 20 swimmers formed two parallel lines of 10. They moved toward each other, passing through the gaps in the opposing line with only centimeters to spare.

The Difficulty: The speed was double that of a normal routine. As they passed, they performed a synchronized "Arm-Snap" that broke the surface in a rhythmic cadence.

The "Deep-Water Power Scull": The music slowed to a menacing pulse. All 20 swimmers went deep—nearly 10 feet down—and used a high-tension scull to rise slowly and simultaneously.

Carolyn Waldo's Note: "Jim, that takes incredible lung capacity. They aren't just floating; they are fighting the buoyancy to stay perfectly level as they rise."

Finale: The routine ended with the 20 swimmers forming a massive "V" shape (for Victory). They performed a 20-person "Rocket Split" and held it for a full five seconds as the music reached a crashing crescendo. Instead of waving, they snapped into a sharp, military-style salute as they sank beneath the surface.

Act #8: The All-Star Duo

The Theme: "Bridges Over Water"

The Soundtrack: Bruce Hornsby’s "The Way It Is" (1994 Live Version). The song was chosen for its steady piano tempo, which helped the two rivals stay in sync despite their different training backgrounds.

The Performers: The North American Icons

Becky Dyroen-Lancer (USA): The reigning Solo Gold Medalist.

Lisa Alexander (Canada): The hometown hero and Team Gold Medalist.

The Suit: They wore identical "neutral" suits—pure metallic silver with a small Intercalated Games logo on the chest, symbolizing unity over nationality.

The Performance Highlights

The "Handshake" Entry: The two athletes walked onto the deck from opposite sides of the pool. When they met at the center, instead of a competitive stare-down, they shook hands and transitioned into a perfectly synchronized "back-dive" entry.

The "Symmetry of Giants": Because they were the two best soloists in the world, their individual technical ability was unmatched.

The Move: They performed a "Mirror Scull." Becky performed a vertical twist while Lisa performed the exact inverse beneath her.

The Visual: The CBS "Under-Water Cam" showed that their leg extensions were within a millimeter of each other’s height. It looked like a single athlete being reflected on the surface of the water.

The "Final Rotation": In the closing 30 seconds, they performed a high-speed "Double Spin" where they linked arms and rotated around each other while moving across the pool.

The Difficulty: Each athlete had to adjust their personal "spin-cadence" to match the other. Becky had to slow her elite speed slightly, while Lisa had to increase her power.

The Finale of Act #8

As the final piano notes of Hornsby’s track faded, the two women surfaced in the center of the pool, facing each other. They raised each other’s arms into the air—a "Dual Victory" pose—as the Etobicoke Olympium erupted in a standing ovation that lasted nearly three minutes.

Act #9: The 100-Leg Symphony

The Theme: "The Living Compass"

The Soundtrack: Enigma’s "Return to Innocence" (1994 Radio Edit). The steady, tribal drum beat and the famous chanting provided the perfect rhythmic "click" for 100 athletes to stay in synchronization without seeing each other.

The Leadership: The Global Command

To pull this off, the pool was organized into a "Hub and Spoke" system.

The Hub (Center Point): Becky Dyroen-Lancer (USA) and Lisa Alexander (CAN). They were back-to-back in the absolute center of the pool, acting as the "Metronome" for the entire group.

The Spoke Leaders (The Specialists): Leaders from Greece, Ukraine, Japan, and France were positioned at the ends of eight "spoke" lines radiating out from the center.

The Performance Highlights

The "Submerged Lotus": All 100 swimmers began the act by floating on their backs, hands linked, forming a massive circle that filled nearly 40 meters of the pool. On the first drum beat, they all performed a "Tuck-Down," vanishing beneath the surface simultaneously. The pool became a flat, glass-like sheet of blue for five seconds.

The "100-Leg Ripple": This was the namesake of the act. While underwater, the swimmers formed eight straight lines radiating from the center "Hub."

The Move: One by one—starting from the center and moving outward—each swimmer thrust a single leg into the air in a "ballet leg" position.

The Visual: From the CBS Sky-Cam, it looked like a "loading" icon or a digital wave traveling outward. 100 legs, all identical in height, creating a white-water ripple that spiraled toward the pool walls.

The "Clockwork Rotation": The 100 swimmers stayed in their "spoke" formation but began to rotate the entire 40-meter structure.

The Difficulty: The swimmers at the center (the Hub) had to move slowly, while the swimmers at the outer edges (the Specialists) had to scull at maximum speed to keep the line straight.

Carolyn Waldo's Note: "Jim, the torque on those outer girls' shoulders is immense. They are sprinting underwater just to keep this 'human clock' from bending."

In our 1994 Toronto timeline, CBS and the event organizers decided that a single song couldn't contain the magnitude of the 100-swimmer finale. They split Act #10 into two distinct musical movements to mirror the two technical phases of the "Deca-Legs" era.

Act #10, Part #1: The Full Body "Anthem of Grace"

The Soundtrack: "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston

The Focus: Above-water power, facial expression, and upper-body choreography.

The Squad Leaders: * Primary Squad Leader (The "Heart"): Becky Dyroen-Lancer (USA) – Positioned at the pinnacle of the diamond formation.

Secondary Squad Leader (The "Soul"): Marianne Aeschbacher (FRA) – Managing the "Artistic Wing" of the formation.

The Performance: As the song opened with the iconic brass fanfare, the 100 swimmers entered the water in a "Double-Row Ripple." During the verses, they focused on "High-Torso Sculling," keeping their bodies out of the water up to the waist while performing intricate, balletic arm movements. On the climax of the chorus, the leaders (Becky and Marianne) were lifted by the specialist nations, rising five feet above the surface as if standing on the water itself.

Act #10, Part #2: The "Deca-Legs" Grand Finale

The Soundtrack: "Chariots of Fire" (1994 Orchestral Remix) by Vangelis

The Focus: Lower-body synchronization, endurance, and the "Legs Only" technical evolution.

The Squad Leaders:

Primary Squad Leader (The "Tempo"): Fumiko Okuno (JPN) – Setting the rapid-fire cadence for the 200 legs.

Secondary Squad Leader (The "Force"): Lisa Alexander (CAN) – Stabilizing the 100-person "Mega-Circle."

The Performance: The moment the Whitney Houston track faded, the deep, pulsing synth of Chariots of Fire began. All 100 swimmers inverted simultaneously. For the next four minutes, not a single face was seen—only a forest of 100 legs. They performed the "Submerged Marathon," a sequence of leg thrusts, splits, and spins that mirrored the slow-motion running theme of the music.

The "Goodbye Wave" Finale

As the Vangelis track reached its final, shimmering piano chords, the 100-swimmer ensemble transitioned into the most famous visual of the Games.

The Goodbye Leaders

Primary Leader (Deck/Surface): Becky Dyroen-Lancer (Representing the athletes)

Secondary Leader (Water/Technical): Lisa Alexander (Representing the host city)

The Final Move: While the 8 Team Captains surfaced to take their final bows and blow kisses to the CBS cameras, the remaining 92 swimmers remained submerged.

The "Leg-Wave": All 92 submerged athletes extended their right legs. On the final three piano notes, they performed a rhythmic "Side-to-Side" sway (the Goodbye Wave).

The Visual: It looked like a field of wheat blowing in the wind, a "Legs Only" salute to the fans in Toronto and the millions watching on CBS.

Now It's On to 1998: And for the First Time since 1982, The Intercalated Games returns to the United States as The City of New York hosted the event

However for Artistic Swimming It Takes Place at the Nassau County Aquatics Center

THE ROSTER

USA: Anna Kozlova, Kristina Lum, Tuesday Middaugh, Heather Pease, Carrie Barton, Kim Wurzel, Elicia Marshall, Tammy Cleland, Bridget Finn, Becky Dyroen-Lancer

Russia: Olga Brusnikina, Mariya Kiselyova, Yelena Azarova, Olga Novokshchenova, Irina Pershina, Yelena Ovchinnikova, Yelena Soya, Yuliya Vasilyeva, Olga Vasyukova, Anastasia Davydova

Japan: Miya Tachibana, Miho Takeda, Raika Fujii, Yoko Isoda, Rei Jimbo, Akiko Kawase, Juri Tatsumi, Yoko Yoneda, Ayano Egami, Michiyo Fujimaru

Canada: Kasia Kulesza, Jacinthe Taillon, Catherine Garceau, Erin Chan, Lyne Beaumont, Fanny Letourneau, Kristin Mormand, Reidun Tatham, Jessica Chase, Claire Scheffel

France: Virginie Dedieu, Myriam Lignot, Charlotte Fabre, Cinthia Bouhier, Rachel Le Bozec, Magali Rathier, Cathy Geoffroy, Julie Fabre, Agnes Berthet, Myriam Glez

Italy: Giovanna Burlando, Maurizia Cecconi, Giada Ballan, Serena Bianchi, Mara Brunetti, Chiara Cassin, Alessia Lucchini, Clara Porchetto, Simona Chiari, Alice Dominici

China: Li Min, Long Yan, Li Yuanyuan, Wang Na, Zhang Xiaohuan, Jin Na, Hou Yingli, Wu Chunlan, Li Rouping, Gu Beibei

Mexico: Erika Leal, Lillian Leal, Berania Carbajal, Sonia Cardenas, Adriana Isla, Lourdes Olivera, Perla Ramirez, Ingrid Reich, Aline Carbajal, Monica Leal

NON TEAM COUNTRIES COMPETING

Great Britain: Adele Carlsen

Greece: Christina Thalassinidou

South Korea: Yoo-Jin Choi & Na-Mi Yoo

Switzerland: Ariane Schneider

DUET HIGHLIGHTS

Gold: Russia - Olga Brusnikina & Mariya Kiselyova

Narrative: The "Russian Machines." Their routine, set to high-drama classical music, was so synchronized that Tracie Ruiz-Conforto noted on CBS: "It’s like looking at one person through a prism."

Silver: USA - Anna Kozlova & Kristina Lum

Narrative: The "American Hope." In this timeline, their Duet Free Final on August 4th was the highest-rated artistic swimming broadcast of the 90s. Verne Lundquist called their finishing lift "The pinnacle of the Big Apple."

Bronze: Japan - Miya Tachibana & Miho Takeda

Narrative: The "Technical Wizards." Known for having the fastest leg-work in the world. John Naber pointed out on TBS that their technical score was actually higher than the USA’s, but Kozlova/Lum’s artistic flair pushed them to Silver.

PRE-LEGS ONLY TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

August 5: The Team Technical Routine (TBS)

The Vibe: High-pressure and rigid. With John Naber and Tracie Ruiz-Conforto calling the action on TBS, the focus was on the "8-Woman" geometry.

Russia’s "Clockwork": Russia performed to a driving, percussion-heavy track. Their technical perfection was so daunting that Naber remarked, "It’s as if they are tethered together by invisible wires." They took a commanding lead with a score of 99.133.

USA’s "Patriotic Edge": Your 10-woman roster (led by Anna Kozlova) opted for a high-tempo military-style theme. The standout moment was the required "spinning 360" element, which Tammy Cleland and Heather Pease executed with perfect vertical height. They sat in second, just points behind Russia.

China’s Surge: In a surprise for the New York crowd, China’s technical routine was exceptionally clean, briefly putting them in a battle with Japan for the provisional Bronze.

August 6: The Team Free Final (CBS)

The Vibe: Cinematic and emotional. This was the "Main Event" for the CBS afternoon window.

USA’s "Broadway" Routine: Playing to the New York crowd, Team USA performed their Free Routine to a medley of Gershwin. Kim Wurzel served as the primary "flyer," launched into the air in a spectacular triple-twist toss that Verne Lundquist dubbed the "Empire State Lift." It was the most acrobatic routine of the year.

Russia’s "Swan Lake" Reimagined: Russia responded with a hauntingly beautiful, dark classical routine. While less "acrobatic" than the Americans, their leg synchronization underwater was so tight it looked like a single organism.

The Result: Russia held onto Gold, but the USA secured the Silver, sparking a massive celebration in the Nassau County Aquatics Center.

August 7: Legs Only (CBS)

1. Japan’s "Submerged Mastery" (Bronze)

Japan entered the water with a routine titled "The Rising Sun." Their strategy was to stay underwater longer than any other team.

The Highlight: They performed a 45-second sequence upside down with only their legs visible, moving in a perfect "shrub" pattern.

Verne’s Call: "Look at the height! No arms, no help, just the sheer piston-power of those legs. They are defying physics, Tracie!"

2. USA’s "Empire State" Performance (Silver)

Your 10-woman roster (8 starters + 2 alternates) performed a routine set to a driving, percussive New York jazz beat.

The Highlight: Tuesday Middaugh and Elicia Marshall anchored the center of the formation. The team executed a "Legs-Only" lift where three swimmers were hoisted upward using only the leg strength of the five swimmers beneath them.

Tracie’s Analysis: "That is pure core strength. To boost a teammate while your hands are locked behind your back... it’s the most grueling thing we’ve seen all week."

3. Russia’s "Iron Synchrony" (Gold)

Russia proved why they were the world’s elite. Their routine was incredibly fast, with rapid-fire leg movements that matched the tempo of a techno-industrial track.

The Highlight: A "Vertical Walk" where all eight swimmers moved across the pool upside down, their legs mimicking a person walking on land, perfectly in sync.

The Result: They edged out Team USA by a mere .25 points, sweeping the Team events for the week.

EXHIBITION GALA

Act #1: The 88 Keys of New York (The Grand Opening)

The Gala opens with a darkened arena as a single spotlight hits Jim Nantz at the poolside studio. As the opening notes of Frank Sinatra’s "New York, New York" fill the Nassau County Aquatics Center, the "Parade of the 88" begins. All 88 participants enter the deck in a massive, synchronized procession, organized into four specific squads.

To manage a routine of this scale, the 88 athletes are led by Squad Leaders (the captains of the four highest-ranked nations) and Section Leaders (the veterans responsible for the geometric alignment).

Squad Leaders

North: Anna Kozlova (USA)

East: Olga Brusnikina (Russia)

The Pacific: Miya Tachibana (Japan)

South: Virginia Dedieu (France)

Section Leaders

North: Heather Pease (USA) & Kasia Kulesza (Canada)

East: Mariya Kiselyova (Russia) & Li Min (China)

Pacific: Miho Takeda (Japan) & Yoo-Jin Choi (South Korea)

South: Giovanna Burlando (Italy) & Erika Leal (Mexico)

The Performance Highlights

The Entry: The four Squad Leaders stand at the four corners of the pool. On the lyric "Start spreading the news," they lead a simultaneous "backwards dive" entry.

The Big Apple Formation: Under the direction of Anna Kozlova and Olga Brusnikina, the 88 swimmers form a massive, rotating circle in the center of the pool, with the Section Leaders forming a "stem" at the top to create the image of a giant apple.

The "Kick-Line" Transition: As the music swells, the 88 athletes move to the perimeter. Led by the USA’s Heather Pease, they perform a synchronized water-kick that mimics the Radio City Rockettes.

Verne Lundquist's Call: > "Look at the scale of this, Tracie! Eighty-eight women, led by the greatest champions in the world, turning the Nassau pool into a Broadway stage. Kozlova and Brusnikina—rivals all week—now working as one to welcome us to the Big Apple!"

Act #2: The Lone Star of the Mediterranean

As the 88-swimmer spectacle of the opening number clears the water, the lights dim to a deep Mediterranean blue. This act is designed as a "Legacy Segment," honoring the history of the Intercalated Games. Jim Nantz introduces the segment by noting that while the 1998 Games are in New York, their spirit belongs to the heritage of the 1906 Games in Athens.

The Performer: The stage is given entirely to Christina Thalassinidou of Greece. As a veteran who had competed since the mid-80s, she is framed by Verne Lundquist as the "Stateswoman of the Pool."

The Routine:

Music: A haunting, traditional Greek instrumental piece by Manos Hadjidakis, featuring the bouzouki.

Theme: "The Persistence of Memory." Unlike the high-velocity routines of the Russian and American teams, Thalassinidou’s performance focuses on extreme extension and slow, controlled power.

Key Movement: The "Statue Sequence." Thalassinidou performs a series of sustained vertical positions that mimic ancient Greek sculptures. Her ability to remain perfectly still while high out of the water draws a technical breakdown from Tracie Ruiz-Conforto, who explains the incredible core strength required for such "stationary" artistry.

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist uses this moment to bridge the gap between generations. He mentions that Thalassinidou is the only athlete in the building who provides a direct emotional link to the "Old World" style of the sport.

The Finish: The act ends with Thalassinidou center-pool, performing a slow-motion "Hellenic spin" as the Greek flag is projected onto the surface of the water. The New York crowd, appreciative of the historic tribute, gives her a standing ovation—the first of the night for an individual performer.

The Transition: As she exits the pool, the music shifts abruptly from the strings of Greece to the sharp, percussive sounds of the East, signaling the arrival of the next powerhouse duo.

Act #3: Eastern Horizon

As the echoes of the Greek bouzouki fade, the atmosphere in the Nassau County Aquatics Center shifts dramatically. The deep Mediterranean blue lighting is replaced by a sharp, minimalist white and crimson wash. This act features the two most dominant forces in Asian artistic swimming, combining their technical duets for a high-velocity display of precision.

The Performers:

Japan: Miya Tachibana & Miho Takeda (Squad C Leaders)

China: Li Min & Long Yan

The Routine:

Music: A modern, high-tempo fusion of Taiko drumming and synth-heavy Japanese pop.

Theme: "The Piston and the Silk." The routine highlights the contrasting styles of the two nations—Japan’s legendary speed and China’s incredible flexibility.

Key Movement: The Mirror Sequence. The two duets start at opposite ends of the pool and swim toward each other at full speed. At the center, they perform a simultaneous "Rocket Split," where all four swimmers are propelled vertically out of the water to their waistlines. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto points out that their synchronization is so exact that from the side-judge’s view, it looks like only two swimmers are in the water.

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist leans into the "Pacific Powerhouse" narrative, noting that while the US and Russia focus on theatrical drama, Japan and China are "redefining the technical speed of the sport." He specifically highlights Tachibana and Takeda's "shrub" leg-work—a rapid-fire underwater sequence where their legs move like pistons with zero splash.

The Finish: The act concludes with a "Cross-Over" exit. The Chinese duet dives deep while the Japanese duet performs a high-flying platform lift over them. As they reach the deck, the Taiko drums reach a fever pitch before stopping abruptly, leaving the arena in total silence for a split second before the crowd erupts.

The Transition: The minimalist white lights begin to bleed into a soft, romantic pink and violet hue, and the sharp drums are replaced by the swell of a French accordion.

Act #4: The Avant-Garde

As the high-velocity Taiko drumming of Act #3 falls silent, the Nassau County Aquatics Center is bathed in a soft, atmospheric violet light. This act belongs to Team France, the nation that redefined artistic swimming in the late 90s by blending elite athleticism with theatrical modern dance.

The Performers:

Squad D Leader: Virginie Dedieu

The French Squad (All 10): Including Myriam Lignot, Cathy Geoffroy, Charlotte Massardier, Cinthia Bouhier, Magali Rathier, Myriam Glez, and Rachel Le Bozec.

The Routine:

Music: A sophisticated, avant-garde arrangement of "La Vie en Rose," beginning with a stripped-back cello solo that transitions into a rhythmic, cinematic orchestral swell.

Theme: "The Living Canvas." The routine is famous for its extended "deck work"—the French team spends the first 45 seconds on dry land, performing a synchronized modern dance sequence that highlights their fluidity before they ever touch the water.

Key Movement: The "No-Clip" Vertical. Lead by Virginie Dedieu (famous for competing without a nose clip), the team performs a series of sustained, inverted vertical holds where they use their facial expressions to "act" out the story of the music. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto remarks on CBS, "They aren't just swimming; they're interpreting the human condition through water."

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist leans into the "Theatrical" angle, calling the French squad the "Philosophers of the Pool." He notes that while other teams focus on power, the French team focuses on "line and emotion." Jim Nantz adds from the studio that the French style has forced the judges to expand their definition of "Artistic Impression" leading into the 2000 Sydney Games.

The Finish: The act ends with a breathtaking "Slow-Motion Descent." The 10 swimmers form a circle and slowly sink beneath the surface, one by one, until only Virginie Dedieu remains. She performs a final, haunting arm gesture toward the CBS camera before slipping silently underwater as the music fades into a single cello note.

The Transition: The violet lights are suddenly cut by a sharp, energetic beam of blue and white. The somber French strings are replaced by the upbeat, powerhouse vocals of a North American diva, signaling a change in energy for Act #5.

Act #5: The North American Duel

As the atmospheric violet of the French "Avant-Garde" fades, the Nassau County Aquatics Center explodes with energy. The lighting shifts to a patriotic palette of red, white, and maple-leaf red. This act is a high-octane celebration of North American athletic power, featuring Team Canada in a routine that serves as a direct answer to the artistic flair of Europe.

The Performers:

Squad A Co-Leader: Kasia Kulesza

The Canadian Squad (All 10): Lead by Kulesza and her duet partner Jacinthe Taillon, featuring Catherine Garceau, Erin Chan, Lyne Beaumont, Fanny Létourneau, Kristin Normand, and Reidun Tatham.

The Routine:

Music: A high-drama medley of hits by Canadian icon Céline Dion, opening with the soaring anthem "The Power of the Dream" (originally the theme of the 1996 Atlanta Games) before transitioning into a driving, upbeat tempo.

Theme: "The Ascent." The routine is designed to showcase the sheer physical strength and "height in the water" that defined the Canadian style in the late 90s.

Key Movement: The "Quadruple Stack" Lift. In the climax of the routine, the Canadians execute a rare and dangerous quadruple stack. Six swimmers form a powerful underwater base to launch a three-person vertical tower, topped by Kasia Kulesza, who strikes a triumphant "Victory" pose nearly six feet above the water’s surface. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto exclaims, "The sheer physics required to keep that tower stable... it’s the gold standard of Canadian athleticism!"

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist frames this as the "Redemption Routine." He reminds the CBS audience that while Canada had a challenging World Championship earlier in the year, this performance proves they are still a powerhouse. Jim Nantz notes from the studio that the "North American Duel" between the USA and Canada has pushed both teams to incorporate more "vertical risk" into their choreography as they eye the Sydney 2000 podium.

The Finish: The act ends with the entire 10-woman squad performing a series of rapid "Rocket Splits" in a circle, moving in perfect synchronization to the final crescendo of the music. On the last note, they all perform a synchronized "Back-Tuck" dive into the center, leaving only a massive plume of white water in their wake.

The Transition: The power-ballad energy is suddenly replaced by the vibrant, infectious rhythms of a trumpet-led Mariachi band. The lights shift to a warm, festive amber and lime green, signaling the arrival of the night’s most spirited squad.

Act #6: The Latin Fire (Intermission Highlight)

As the powerful Céline Dion notes fade, the Nassau County Aquatics Center undergoes a vibrant transformation. The high-contrast patriotic lighting is replaced by a warm, festive wash of amber, lime green, and sunset orange. This act is the "Intermission Highlight"—a high-energy, crowd-pleasing spectacle designed to elevate the mood before the technical titans return.

The Performers:

Squad D Leaders: Erika Leal & Lilián Leal (The Twin Power Narrative)

The Mexican Squad (All 10): Including Sonia Cárdeñas, Berania Carbajal, Adriana Isla, Lourdes Olivera, Perla Ramírez, Ingrid Reich, Aline Carbajal, and Mónica Leal.

The Routine:

Music: A fast-paced, infectious medley of Latin brass and pop, starting with the classic "Cielito Lindo" reimagined with a 1998 dance beat, transitioning into upbeat tracks like "Bailamos."

Theme: "Fiesta en el Agua." This act is less about rigid geometry and more about "Deck-to-Water" charisma. The team wears vibrant, neon-sequined suits that catch the CBS camera flashes like moving gemstones.

Key Movement: The "Acrobatic Wave." The Mexican team is renowned for their "flyers." In a signature move, the squad forms two parallel lines and launches Erika Leal in a series of consecutive somersault tosses—not once, but three times in a row across the length of the formation. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto notes, "The timing required to catch and re-launch a flyer with that much momentum is staggering. It’s pure joy backed by elite core strength."

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist leans into the crowd reaction, noting that the local New York and New Jersey fans have made Mexico the unofficial "Second Home Team" of the Games. Jim Nantz chips in from the studio, highlighting the "Leal Sisters" and their role as the emotional heart of the Mexican delegation. He frames them as a key duo to watch as the sport moves toward the more "theatrical" judging criteria expected in Sydney.

The Finish: The act concludes with the entire 10-woman team performing a high-speed "conga line" sculling sequence that circles the pool. On the final trumpet blast, all ten athletes perform a synchronized "Pop-up" where they emerge to their shoulders, throw their arms wide with beaming smiles, and disappear in a simultaneous, splash-free immersion.

The Transition: The festive amber lights begin to cool into a sophisticated, deep royal blue. The upbeat trumpets are replaced by the soaring, dramatic strings of a modern Italian opera, signaling a return to the sophisticated European style for Act #7.

Act #7: Act #7: The European Surge

As the festive Latin energy of Act #6 concludes, the lighting at the Nassau County Aquatics Center shifts to a deep, regal "Savoia Blue." This act represents the sophisticated rise of European artistic swimming in the late 90s, showcasing a unique collaboration between the Mediterranean power of Italy and the technical precision of the independent European specialists.

The Performers:

Squad D Co-Leader: Giovanna Burlando (Italy)

The Italian Squad (All 10): Including Maurizia Cecconi, Giada Ballan, Serena Bianchi, Mara Brunetti, Chiara Cassin, Alessia Lucchini, Clara Porchetto, Simona Chiari, and Alice Dominici.

The Specialized Duets: Adele Carlsen (Great Britain) and Ariane Schneider (Switzerland).

The Routine:

Music: A dramatic "Pop-Opera" fusion, beginning with a soaring tenor rendition of "O Sole Mio" that transitions into a driving, cinematic orchestral track similar to the works of Ennio Morricone.

Theme: "The Continental Bridge." The routine is designed to show the unity of the European styles—blending Italy’s high-tempo endurance with the "Clockwork" precision of the Swiss and British specialists.

Key Movement: The "Grand Kaleidoscope." The 14 swimmers (10 Italians + 4 Specialists) form two concentric circles. As the music reaches its crescendo, the inner circle rotates clockwise while the outer rotates counter-clockwise, with all 14 athletes performing perfectly timed "Leg-Crank" spins. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto remarks on the broadcast, "To coordinate fourteen sets of legs with this much speed is a technical nightmare, but they’ve turned it into a masterpiece."

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist focuses on the Italian rise in the world rankings, calling them the "Marathon Runners of the Pool" due to their incredible stamina. Jim Nantz highlights Adele Carlsen (UK) and Ariane Schneider (Switzerland), noting that while they don't have full teams at these Games, their presence here ensures the "Intercalated" spirit of international unity is fully realized.

The Finish: The act reaches a climax with Giovanna Burlando being hoisted at the center of a "Roman Chariot" formation. As the final operatic note holds, the entire group performs a synchronized "V-Sit" on the surface, their arms creating a fan-like effect behind the Italian captain. They descend into the blue water in a slow, dignified unison.

The Transition: The regal blue lights are suddenly cut by a harsh, cold "Siberian White" and steel-grey strobe. The melodic Italian opera is replaced by the haunting, mechanical, and powerful strains of Stravinsky, signaling the arrival of the world champions.

Act #8: The Russian Machines

As the regal blue of Act #7 fades, the Nassau County Aquatics Center is hit with a cold, piercing "Siberian White" spotlight. The atmosphere turns clinical and intense. This act belongs to the world champions, Team Russia, and is designed to remind the world why they have swept every gold medal of the Games so far.

The Performers:

Squad B Leaders: Olga Brusnikina & Mariya Kiselyova

The Russian Squad (All 10): Including Olga Sedakova, Elena Azarova, Olga Novokshchenova, Irina Pershina, Yelena Ovchinnikova, Yelena Soya, Yuliya Vasilyeva, and the young prodigy alternate, Anastasia Davydova.

The Routine:

Music: A powerful, industrial arrangement of Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring." The music is jagged, mechanical, and uncompromising, mirroring the team’s reputation as "Synchronized Robots."

Theme: "The Symphony of Precision." The routine focuses on absolute structural uniformity. Unlike the theatrical flair of the Americans or the French, Russia focuses on maintaining identical limb angles to the millimeter.

Key Movement: The "Vertical Walk." In the centerpiece of the routine, all eight starters remain upside down for nearly 40 seconds. Their legs emerge from the water and perform a rhythmic "walking" motion across the surface, moving in such perfect unison that Tracie Ruiz-Conforto remarks on CBS: "It’s not just that they are together; it’s that there is zero variation in the displacement of the water. It’s terrifyingly perfect."

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist adopts a more serious, respectful tone, calling the Russians the "Standard-Bearers of the New Era." He mentions that under their head coach, they have pioneered a training style that involves 10-hour days focused purely on "micro-synchronization." Jim Nantz adds from the studio that the Russians are the "Mt. Everest" of the 1998 Intercalated Games—the peak everyone else is trying to climb.

The Finish: The act ends with a sudden, sharp technical sequence. The music cuts to a single, loud industrial beat as all ten swimmers (including the alternates who join for the final deck-pose) snap into a rigid, military-style salute. They do not smile; they maintain a look of fierce concentration until the lights cut to black.

The Transition: The cold white lights are instantly replaced by a warm, sweeping golden glow. The mechanical Stravinsky strings dissolve into the lush, romantic piano chords of George Gershwin, signaling that it is finally time for the home team to take the stage.

Act #9: Broadway Nights (The American Finale)

The cold, industrial tension of the Russian "Machines" evaporates as the Nassau County Aquatics Center is bathed in a warm, cinematic golden glow. The air fills with the iconic opening clarinet glissando of George Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue." This is the moment the 1998 New York crowd has been waiting for: the home team’s final stand before the 2000 Sydney push.

The Performers:

Squad A Leaders: Anna Kozlova & Kristina Lum

Team USA (All 10): Lead by Kozlova and Lum, featuring Tuesday Middaugh, Heather Pease, Carrie Barton, Kim Wurzel, Elicia Marshall, Tammy Cleland, and alternates Bridget Finn and Becky Dyroen-Lancer.

The Routine:

Music: A bespoke "Big Apple" medley of Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue" transitioning into a high-tempo, Broadway-style orchestral jazz finish.

Theme: "The Empire State." The routine is a celebration of New York’s resilience and American athletic ingenuity. While the Russians showed "precision," the Americans show "power and personality."

Key Movement: The "Empire State Lift." In the routine’s climax, the squad forms a circular base. Using the combined leg strength of seven swimmers, they launch Kim Wurzel into the air. She performs a massive, high-altitude triple-twist—the highest toss of the Games—rotating perfectly before a clean entry. Tracie Ruiz-Conforto exclaims, "She’s practically in the rafters! That is the quintessential American 'Flyer' style—pure guts and athleticism!"

The Broadcast Narrative: Verne Lundquist leans into the emotional weight of the moment, focusing on Anna Kozlova’s journey. He describes her as the "New American Hero," a former rival who has embraced the stars and stripes to lead this young squad toward Sydney. Jim Nantz notes from the studio that while Russia may have the Technical Gold, the USA has won the "Artistic Heart" of the 1998 Games.

The Finish: As the jazz reaches its final, triumphant crescendo, all ten women move to the center of the pool. They form a staggered, vertical formation that mimics the New York City skyline. On the final note, Anna Kozlova and Kristina Lum are hoisted to their waists, holding a synchronized "Torch" pose. The arena erupts as thousands of fans wave miniature American flags.

The Transition: The golden lights begin to expand, illuminating the entire pool deck as the 78 other athletes from the previous eight acts begin to emerge from the tunnels. The Gershwin piano fades into the familiar, driving rhythm of a Broadway ensemble number.

Act #10: The Circle of Friendship (The Farewell)

The grand finale of the 1998 Exhibition Gala is a two-part masterclass in synchronization, designed to showcase both the grace and the grueling physical demand of the sport. As Jim Nantz notes, "It is a celebration of the body, then a tribute to the engine."

Part #1: The Symphony of the Full Body

The lights shift to a brilliant, multi-colored spectrum—the "Rainbow of Nations"—representing all eight countries.

Squad Leader: Heather Pease (USA)

Why: As a 1996 Gold Medalist, Pease is chosen to lead the full-body segment as a symbol of the sport's "Golden Era" grace.

The Music: "One" from A Chorus Line.

The Routine: All 88 swimmers form a massive, concentric triple-circle covering the entire surface of the Nassau pool.

The Highlight: The "Global Kick-Line." Led by Pease, the 88 athletes link arms at the surface. In a breathtaking display of Broadway flair, they perform a synchronized high-kick sequence around the circle. Verne Lundquist calls it "The most beautiful kick-line in the history of the Big Apple."

Part #2: The Power of the Legs Only

The music abruptly shifts. The "Broadway" orchestration drops out, replaced by a rhythmic, tribal-drum heartbeat that echoes throughout the arena. The colored lights cut to a single, high-contrast spotlight in the center.

Squad Leader: Miya Tachibana (Japan)

Why: As the world’s undisputed queen of leg-work and technical height, Tachibana leads the field into the most difficult sequence of the night.

The Music: "The Drumming of the World" (A percussive, high-energy Taiko and world-beat track).

The Routine: On a sharp drum crack, all 88 swimmers disappear beneath the surface. For 60 seconds, no faces are seen.

The Highlight: The "Forest of Verticals." Eighty-eight pairs of legs emerge from the water in perfect unison. Under Tachibana’s rhythm, they perform a series of rapid-fire "Eggbeater" height changes and "Rocket Splits." Tracie Ruiz-Conforto remarks: "To have eighty-eight women holding this height without using their arms... it’s a feat of pure human endurance."

The Legs Only Goodbye (The Final Wave)

As the drums reach a fever pitch, the 88 athletes move into their final formation for the official "Goodbye Wave."

Squad Leader: Anna Kozlova (USA)

Why: To bring the Games home, the leader of the host nation takes the center point for the final farewell.

The Music: "New York State of Mind" (Billy Joel – Instrumental Piano Finale).

The Gesture: While still in an inverted "Legs Only" position, the 88 swimmers perform a "Leg Wave"—a synchronized, undulating movement of the feet that looks like a field of wheat blowing in the wind.

The Final Exit: On the final piano chord, the athletes perform one last "Pop-up" to their waists. Anna Kozlova leads the 88 in a simultaneous, two-handed wave to the rafters as the CBS cameras zoom out to a wide "God’s-eye" view of the pool.

Up Next: 2002

The 2002 Yokohama Intercalated Games took place from July 26 to August 10, 2002

The Artistic Swimming Rounds ran from August 3 to August 9, 2002

BROADCAST CREWS

PBP: Ted Robinson (will be joined by Bob Costas for the Exhibition Gala)

Analyst: Tracie Conforto

THE FULL ROSTERS

Russia: Olga Brusnikina, Maria Kisseleva, Anastasia Davydova, Anastasia Ermakova, Elena Azarova, Elvira Khasyanova, Maria Gromova, Irina Novokshonova, Anna Shorina, Yelena Ovchinnikova

Japan: Miya Tachibana, Miho Takeda, Juri Tatsumi, Yoko Yoneda, Kanako Kitao, Michiyo Fujimaru, Naoko Kawashima, Chiaki Shirai, Emiko Suzuki, Saho Harada

United States: Anna Kozlova, Alison Bartosik, Lauren McFall, Becky Jasontek, Tammy Crow, Erin Dobratz, Kendra Zanotto, Katie Norris, Stephanie Nesbitt, Sara Lowe

Canada: Claire Carver-Dierke, Fanny Létourneau, Erin Chan, Jessica Chase, Catherine Garceau, Lynn Johnson, Amy Caskey, Sara Petrocia, Shayna Nackoney, Courtenay Stewart

China: Hou Xiaolei, Li Zhen, Gu Beibei, Zhang Xiaohuan, Wang Na, He Xiaochu, Chen Yu, Zheng Jia, Liu Xi, Sun Qing

France: Virginie Dedieu, Myriam Guezouard, Myriam Lignot, Charlotte Fabre, Magali Rathier, Rachel Le Bozec, Cathy Geoffroy, Laure Thouvenel, Cynthia Bouhier, Anouk Amiot

Italy: Beatrice Adelizzi, Lorena Zaffalon, Monica Cirulli, Joey Paccagnella, Elisa Plaisant, Giulia Lapi, Clara Porchetto, Laura Zanazza, Simona Chiari, Eva Saracco

Spain: Gemma Mengual, Paola Tirados, Alicia Sanz, Ione Serrano, Irina Rodríguez, Andrea Fuentes, Tina Fuentes, Ana Montero, Raquel Corral, Gisela Morón

Brazil: Carolina Moraes, Isabela Moraes, Roberta Holanda, Ludmila Silva, Maria Helena Falcón, Beatriz Meurer, Fernanda Cavalier, Glaucia Soutinho, Luciana Moraes, Michelle Frota

Greece: Christina Thalassinidou, Effrosyni Vatira, Eleni Georgiou, Aglaia Anastasiou, Maria Christodoulou, Despoina Solomou, Evangelia Koutidi, Athina Keratidi, Sofia Papazoglou, Eleni Papandreo

The Non-Team Countries

Switzerland: Magdalena Brunner & Serena Mezzomonti

Mexico: Nara Falcón & Erica Leal 

South Korea: Jang Yoon-kyeong & Kim Min-jeong 

Ukraine: Dariya Iushko & Olga Kondrashova

Czech Republic: Soňa Bernardová & Jana Rybářová

Egypt: Heba Abdel Gawad & Dalia Allam

Puerto Rico: Luna del Mar Aguilu

Australia: Amanda Laird & Leonie Nichols

Great Britain: Gayle Adamson 

Israel: Anastasia Gloushkov & Inna Yoffe 

Kazakhstan: Aliya Karimova & Arna Toktagan

Belarus: Khrystsina Markovich

All 122 Artistic Swimmers are participating

DUET ROUNDS

August 4: Duet Technical

This was the "Precision Round." All duets had to perform the five required elements (the walkover, the rocket split, etc.) in the exact same order.

The Narrative: NBC framed this as "The Battle of the Twins vs. The Masters."

The Standouts: The Russian pair of Davydova and Ermakova were flawless, but the Japanese home favorites Tachibana and Takeda were nearly tied with them on technical merit.

Surprise Performance: The Moraes twins (Carolina and Isabela), competing for Brazil, used their incredible underwater endurance to land in the top 5, much to the delight of the Yokohama crowd.

August 5: Duet Free

With no required elements, the duets were free to use the full 10-person depth of their national squads for inspiration (even though only two were in the water).

The Music: While the NBC broadcast used Orente for the intros, the athletes performed to dramatic scores. The Russians performed to a haunting classical medley, while the Americans (Kozlova and Bartosik) used a high-tempo jazz-fusion routine.

The Visuals: This was the round where NBC debuted the "Overhead Kaleidoscope" camera, showing the perfect geometric symmetry of the duets.

August 6: Duet Legs Only

This is your timeline's unique specialty event. It was the ultimate test of core strength and breath control, as the athletes were prohibited from showing their faces for 60% of the routine.

The Difficulty: Without being able to use their arms to stabilize, the duets had to maintain perfect synchronization while performing "Eggbeater" kicks and rapid leg twists.

The NBC Commentary: Bob Costas famously described this round as "The most invisible labor in all of sports—everything you see is power, everything you don't see is an Olympic-level struggle for air."

Gold: Russia - Anastasia Davydova & Anastasia Ermakova

Silver: Japan - Miya Tachibana & Miho Takeda

Bronze: USA - Anna Kozlova & Alison Bartosik

TEAM

August 7–8: Team Technical & Free (The Elite 8)

In these rounds, the standard 8-woman rosters applied. This allowed for the traditional speed and high-flying acrobatics that the world was used to.

Tracie’s Insight: Tracie Conforto noted that while 8 swimmers are the "Olympic Standard," the pressure was on the 2 alternates. They had to practice every second of the routine to be ready for injury, yet they knew they wouldn't touch the water until the 7th.

The Standout: The USA Team performed a "Technical" routine that focused on sharp, military-style transitions. Tracie praised their "8-person alignment," which she argued was actually harder to keep clean than a larger group because every single flaw is visible.

August 9: Team Legs Only (The Decagon Final)

This is where your 8+2 Rule truly changed the medal standings. For the first time in the week, all 10 athletes from each of the 10 nations entered the pool together.

The Tactical Shift: Russia and Japan had a massive advantage here. Their 9th and 10th swimmers weren't just "subs"; they were specialized "Legs Only" experts who possessed incredible lower-body power.

The Visual Impact: 100 athletes in the pool simultaneously. As the music (the "Orente" prelude) began, the 10-woman squads formed massive "circles of 10."

Tracie Conforto’s Analysis: > "Ted, you see the difference immediately. With 10 sets of legs, the displacement of water is enormous. The 8-woman teams we saw yesterday didn't have to fight this much turbulence. This is pure, raw strength."

THE RESULTS

Gold - Russia (1st in Tech & Free/1st in Legs Only)

Silver - Japan (2nd in Tech & Free/2nd in Legs Only)

Bronze - Canada (4th in Tech & Free/3rd in Legs Only)

A DETAILED LOOK FOR TEAM USA

1. Team Technical (August 7) — "The Matrix"

Format: 8 Swimmers

Music: “The Matrix” Original Soundtrack by Don Davis.

The Vibe: Dark, futuristic, and industrial. This matched the "Orente" precision perfectly.

The Routine: The swimmers wore metallic, cybernetic-patterned suits.

Tracie Conforto’s Analysis: She focused on the "sharpness" of the required elements. In the "Matrix" routine, the US used robotic, jerky arm movements between the technical elements to emphasize the digital theme.

Key Move: The "Bullet Time" transition—where the 8 swimmers moved in a slow-motion ripple effect across the pool, mimicking the famous movie effect.

2. Team Free (August 8) — "The Call of the Wild"

Format: 8 Swimmers

Music: “Introduction” and “The Great Chasm” from the IMAX film "Chronos" (by Michael Stearns).

The Vibe: Atmospheric, sweeping, and primal.

The Routine: This was the US's "Power" routine. It was incredibly fast-paced, designed to show that even with only 8 swimmers, they could fill the entire pool with energy.

Tracie Conforto’s Analysis: She praised the "Atmospheric Depth." Tracie noted that the US team’s leg height during the hybrid figures was the best in the world, even if Russia had more "balletic" grace.

Key Move: The "Double Stack Lift"—two swimmers being hoisted simultaneously on the shoulders of the other six, creating a massive vertical tower in the center of the pool.

3. Team Legs Only (August 9) — "The Firebird"

Format: 10 Swimmers (The Full Squad)

Music: “The Firebird Suite” by Igor Stravinsky.

The Vibe: Dramatic, explosive, and classical.

The Routine: In this timeline, the US used the 10-woman "Legs Only" specialty to perform to the aggressive "Infernal Dance" section of the Firebird.

The 10-Woman Edge: With 10 athletes (including alternates Stephanie Nesbitt and Sara Lowe), the US created a "fan" of 20 legs that opened and closed like the wings of a bird.

Tracie Conforto’s Analysis: > "Ted, listen to that percussion. The US is timing their 'thrusts' to the kettle drums. With 10 swimmers, the sheer volume of water they are throwing into the air is incredible. They’re using the extra depth of the 8+2 rule to maintain a height that's usually impossible in a 'Legs Only' routine."

EXHIBITION GALA: In which they will celebrate 100 Years of the Intercalated Games in a Theatrical Water Spectacular

Act #1: The Centennial Awakening

The Music: "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. The Vibe: Pure, epic scale. This was the "Heavyweight" opening intended to show the power of the 100-swimmer ring.

The Squad Leaders (The Perimeter): Led by Olga Brusnikina (Russia) and Anna Kozlova (USA), the ten Squad Leaders were positioned on the pool deck. On the first thunderous "O!" of the choir, they performed a synchronized "Power Dive" into the center of a massive circle already formed by the other 112 athletes.

The Section Leaders (The Clockwork): Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) led the 10 Section Leaders in a "Piston-Rotation." As the choir’s tempo accelerated, they directed their sections to perform rapid vertical leg-thrusts in a clockwise wave.

The Visual: Tracie Conforto noted that with 122 swimmers, "O Fortuna" felt less like a song and more like a physical force. The Act ended with the Squad Leaders being hoisted into a 10-woman "Star Tower" as the final chord crashed.

Act #2: The Symmetry of the Specialists

The Music: "Smooth Criminal" (The 2001 cover by Alien Ant Farm). The Vibe: High-octane, modern, and "Intercalated Cool." This was the "Watch Party" favorite, designed to appeal to the younger MLB audience.

The Specialist Core (The 22): Led by the French Soloist Virginie Dedieu, the 22 specialists (Soloists and Duets) took the center. Unlike the classical Act #1, this was fast and "choppy." They performed sharp, rhythmic arm-sequences that mimicked the music’s famous bassline.

The Section Leaders (The Living Border): Miho Takeda (Japan) led the Section Leaders to the pool's floor. From the bottom, they released a massive "Air Curtain" of bubbles, framing the 22 specialists in a shimmering cage of air.

The Squad Leaders (The Lean): In an iconic 2002 moment, the 10 Squad Leaders lined up on the pool’s edge and performed a "Synchronized Lean" over the water—mimicking the famous gravity-defying lean from the music video—before plunging back in to join the specialists for the finale.

Act #3: The Techno-Precise Era

The Music: "Clubbed to Death" (Kurayamino Variation) by Rob Dougan (from The Matrix soundtrack). The Vibe: Dark, rhythmic, and high-tech. The slow, heavy trip-hop beat provided the perfect "metronome" for the 122 swimmers to move as a single unit.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "CPU" Core)

Anna Kozlova (USA) and Olga Brusnikina (Russia) took a unique position. For the first half of Act #3, they were at the bottom of the pool (using weighted belts temporarily) while the other 120 swimmers moved above them.

The Role: They acted as the "anchors." Every 16 beats, they would break the surface in a synchronized "Rocket Split," signaling a change in the entire field’s formation.

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, this is about blind timing. Kozlova and Brusnikina can't see the 120 women above them, yet they are surfacing exactly on the beat. This is the 'Matrix' of Artistic Swimming."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Circuitry")

The 10 Section Leaders, led by Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia), divided the remaining 120 swimmers into ten "sub-units" of 12.

The Choreography: Instead of one large circle, the pool was filled with ten smaller, interlocking circles that rotated in opposite directions.

The "Orente" Visual: From the NBC overhead crane camera, the pool looked like the internal gears of a watch. As the strings of "Clubbed to Death" swelled, the Section Leaders guided their 12-woman units to "merge" into a single, massive 122-person line that stretched diagonally across the entire 50-meter pool.

Act #4:  The Power of the Decade

The Music: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. The Vibe: Operatic, theatrical, and massive. This song was chosen specifically because its shifting sections allowed the Squad and Section Leaders to showcase different "modes" of the 122-swimmer field.

1. The Ballad Section ("Mama, just killed a man...")

The Squad Leaders: Led by Miya Tachibana (Japan) and Virginie Dedieu (France).

The Action: The pool was bathed in soft blue light. The 10 Squad Leaders performed a slow, lyrical "Mirror Routine" in the center, while the other 112 swimmers created a "Living Ripple" behind them. Tracie Conforto noted the extreme breath control required to move that slowly while maintaining perfect buoyancy.

2. The Operatic Section ("I see a little silhouetto of a man...")

The Section Leaders (The Chaos Coordinators): This is where Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) took over.

The Action: During the "Galileo!" call-and-response, the 122 swimmers divided into two "Choirs."

The left side (led by the US/Canada Section Leaders) would pop up for a "Rocket Split."

The right side (led by the Russian/Japanese Section Leaders) would respond with a "Boost Lift."

Tracie’s Take: "Ted, this is a nightmare to coordinate. You have 122 women acting as a vocal choir with their bodies. The timing on those 'Magnificos' has to be frame-perfect!"

3. The Hard Rock Section ("So you think you can stone me...")

The "8+2" Power Move: This was the climax. The Section Leaders signaled the "Double-Decagon Launch."

The Visual: Using the 10-woman squad depth, the teams formed ten separate "Power Circles." On the heavy guitar riff, each circle launched their Squad Leader into a high-arching backflip.

The Result: 10 world-class athletes (Kozlova, Brusnikina, etc.) were in the air simultaneously across the pool.

Act #5: The Rhythmic Pulse

The Music: "Conga" by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated speed. This was the "Agility Test" for the 8+2 squads, focusing on rapid-fire footwork and hip movement above the water.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "Percussion" Leads)

Anna Kozlova (USA) and Miya Tachibana (Japan) were joined by the Moraes Twins (Brazil) in the center of the pool.

The Action: While the 122 swimmers formed a giant "U-shape," these four leaders performed a high-speed "Samba Kick" sequence.

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, most people think Artistic Swimming is slow and graceful. This is the opposite. At this tempo—124 beats per minute—their legs are moving faster than a professional drummer’s hands. The lactic acid build-up in their quads right now must be intense."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Serpentine" Line)

Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) led the 10 Section Leaders in the most famous visual of the night: The Intercalated Conga Line.

The Visual: 122 swimmers linked waist-to-ankle in a massive, winding serpent that coiled through the pool.

The "Orente" Twist: As the horn section flared, the Section Leaders signaled a "Rolling Pop." Starting from the back of the line, each swimmer performed a Vertical Boost in a wave pattern that moved toward the front. From the overhead NBC camera, it looked like a shimmering, human neon light.

Act #6: The Deep Blue Transition

The Music: "Pure Shores" by All Saints. The Vibe: Ethereal, breezy, and sophisticated. The "Orente" violins were woven into the electronic beat of the track, creating a perfect synergy between pop culture and the Intercalated prestige.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "Floating Lotus")

Olga Brusnikina (Russia) and Anna Kozlova (USA) led the 10 Squad Leaders into the center of the pool.

The Action: Instead of the explosive "Rocket Splits" of previous acts, the leaders performed "The Lotus." They linked arms and legs to form a rotating floral pattern on the surface, moving only their arms in a slow, hypnotic "water-ballet" style.

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, this is the hardest thing to do—moving slowly. To stay that high in the water while looking completely relaxed requires incredible core strength. They are making the '8+2' depth look like a summer vacation."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Submerged Mirage")

Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) and Miho Takeda (Japan) took the 10 Section Leaders and the remaining 112 swimmers into a "Multi-Level Formation."

The Visual: While the Squad Leaders were on the surface, the Section Leaders guided their units to hover at three different depths (1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters).

The "Orente" Glow: NBC turned off the overhead stadium lights and used only the underwater pool lights. From the "Watch Party" perspective, you could see the silhouettes of the 122 swimmers layered beneath the surface like a human reef.

Act #7: The Urban Rhythm

The Music: "A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys. The Vibe: Soulful, confident, and rhythmic. The heavy piano chords of the track were synchronized with the Orente Musical Suite’s brass, creating a "Stadium Soul" sound that celebrated the strength of the 10-woman squads.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "Soloist" Face-Off)

Virginie Dedieu (France) and Anna Kozlova (USA) took center stage.

The Action: This was a "Conversation in Water." As Alicia Keys sang about respect and strength, Dedieu and Kozlova performed a mirrored solo routine on opposite sides of the pool, while the other 120 swimmers remained perfectly still in a "V-formation."

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, this is the 'Soloist’s Duel.' You have the two best in the world, France and the USA, proving that even in a 10-woman era, the individual 'worth' of the athlete is the heart of the sport. Look at the neck extension—they are performing for the back row of the stadium."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Power Percussion")

As the beat dropped into the chorus, Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) signaled the 10 Section Leaders to break the "V-formation."

The Visual: The 120 swimmers broke into 10 groups of 12. Using the heavy piano beat as a metronome, they performed "Tabletop Lifts."

The "Orente" Twist: Instead of throwing a flyer, each section lifted their Section Leader horizontally above the water. The 10 leaders then performed a synchronized "Arm-Dance" while being held aloft by the strength of their 11 teammates.

The "Watch Party" High Point: The 122-Clap

During the bridge of the song, the music pulled back to just the beat and the piano.

The Move: On a cue from Miho Takeda (Japan), all 122 swimmers performed a "Surface Slap" in unison. The sound of 244 palms hitting the water at once echoed like a gunshot through the Yokohama International Swimming Pool.

The NBC Coverage: The camera cut to a "Watch Party" in Harlem, NY, where fans were clapping along in perfect sync with the broadcast.

Act #8: The Submerged Power

The Music: "In the End" by Linkin Park. The Vibe: Aggressive, rhythmic, and haunting. The staccato piano intro was the perfect cue for a "Legs Only" display, while the heavy guitar choruses matched the massive water displacement of 122 athletes.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "Vertical Command")

Olga Brusnikina (Russia) and Anna Kozlova (USA) positioned themselves at the very center of the pool, surrounded by the 10 Section Leaders.

The Action: During the verses, the 10 Squad Leaders were the only ones visible from the waist up, performing sharp, "robotic" arm movements that matched Mike Shinoda’s rap verses.

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, they are using the '8+2' depth here to create a literal wall of bodies. Notice how the Squad Leaders are being held perfectly still—that’s because there are 110 women beneath them providing a human foundation. It’s a feat of engineering."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Decagon Vortex")

As the song hit the famous chorus ("I tried so hard..."), the Section Leaders, led by Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) and Alison Bartosik (USA), gave the signal for the "All-Legs" Transition.

The Visual: All 122 swimmers flipped simultaneously. For the duration of the chorus, not a single face was visible. The pool became a forest of 244 legs performing high-speed "Twist-Spins" and "Eggbeater" surges.

The "Orente" Twist: On the heavy drum hits, the Section Leaders coordinated a "Centrifugal Splash." The 10 units of 12 swimmers rotated so fast that they created ten individual whirlpools, sending white water three feet into the air.

The "Watch Party" Peak: The Silent Bridge

During the bridge ("Trust you... I put my trust in you..."), the 122 swimmers went completely horizontal just beneath the surface.

The Move: Using the underwater "Bubble-Cam," NBC showed the 122 athletes linked hand-to-hand in a massive "Web" formation.

The Effect: As the final chorus exploded, they all performed a "Max-Height Boost." 122 women surged out of the water to their mid-thighs at the exact same millisecond.

Act #9: The Global Mosaic (Replacement)

The Music: "Whenever, Wherever" by Shakira. The Vibe: High-energy, world-beat, and rhythmic. In 2002, this was the ultimate international crossover hit. It perfectly matched the "Intercalated" spirit of bringing the world to Yokohama.

1. The Squad Leaders (The "Four Corners" Lead)

Anna Kozlova (USA), Olga Brusnikina (Russia), Miya Tachibana (Japan), and Virginie Dedieu (France) took the four corners of the pool.

The Action: While the 118 other swimmers were submerged, the four "Greatest of the Era" performed a high-speed, mirrored solo sequence.

Tracie Conforto’s Take: "Ted, look at the versatility. They’ve moved from the 'Matrix' precision to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' drama, and now they’re hitting these Latin-pop accents with the same sharpness. It shows that the 10-woman era hasn't lost the individual artistry."

2. The Section Leaders (The "Mosaic" Shift)

Alison Bartosik (USA) and Anastasia Ermakova (Russia) led the 10 Section Leaders in the most complex formation change of the Gala: The Moving Mosaic.

The Visual: The 122 swimmers formed 10 separate "diamonds" representing the 10 qualifying nations.

The "Orente" Twist: As Shakira’s drums kicked into the chorus, the Section Leaders guided these 10 diamonds to "drift" across each other without a single collision. From the NBC overhead camera, it looked like a shifting kaleidoscope of human bodies.

The "8+2" Factor: The two "extra" swimmers in each 10-woman squad acted as the "shuttles," swimming between the diamonds to link them together at the peak of the song.

The "Watch Party" Peak: The 122-Person "Timber"

During the bridge of the song, the music slowed for the pan-flute solo.

The Move: The Section Leaders signaled the "Sunburst Rise." All 122 swimmers surfaced in a tight cluster, then "peeled away" from the center like petals opening on a flower.

The Final Beat: On the final "Whenever, wherever!" shout, all 122 athletes performed a Synchronized "Twist-Dive", disappearing into the water at the exact same moment.

Act #10: The Century's Crest

Part 1: The Full Body Symphony

The Music: "A Little Less Conversation" (Junkie XL Remix) by Elvis Presley.

The Vibe: Swagger, power, and high-octane "8+2" athleticism.

The Squad Leaders: Led by Anna Kozlova (USA), the leaders orchestrated a "Full-Field Blitz," where all 122 swimmers performed rapid-fire arm sequences that matched the staccato brass of the remix.

Part 2: The Legs Only Masterpiece

The Music: "Battle Without Honor or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei.

The Vibe: The "Hard-Tech" technical peak.

The Action: The "Wall of 244 Legs." The Section Leaders, led by Anastasia Ermakova, ensured the line was so straight it looked like a digital horizon.

The Grand Finale: The Legs Only Goodbye

The Music: "Clocks" by Coldplay.

The Vibe: Released in late 2002, this piano-driven masterpiece became the "Sound of the Millennium." The hypnotic, cascading piano riff provided the perfect rhythm for the final "Legs Only" farewell.

The Squad Leaders' Farewell: As the famous opening piano riff of Clocks began, the 10 Squad Leaders surfaced in the center of the pool. They performed a "Circular Back-Layout," their bodies forming a clock face, while the 112-member field formed the "outer gears" beneath them.

The Legs Only Wave: As Chris Martin’s vocals kicked in ("Lights go out and I can't be saved..."), the 122 swimmers flipped for the final time.

The Movement: 244 legs rose into a "Pendulum Sway." Instead of a standard kick, the legs moved left-to-right in perfect time with the piano, mimicking the ticking of a grand centennial clock.

The Final Goodbye: The Squad Leaders (Kozlova, Brusnikina, Tachibana, Dedieu, etc.) rose to their maximum height. They performed a "Talon-Flex"—the legs stayed perfectly still while the feet "waved" by flexing and pointing in rhythm.

Coming Up Next: We're Heading Back to Seoul for the First Time in 1988 as NBC last broadcasted the Summer Olympics as we get ready for the 2006 Intercalated Games.