Artistic swimming, once known as synchronized swimming is a sport that combines grace, strength and endurance. Recently, Great Britain achieved a significant milestone by securing its first world championship medals in artistic swimming.
The Intensity of Training
Training for artistic swimming is incredibly demanding. Athletes like Shortman and Thorpe commit to at least 40 hours of practice each week.
Their regimen includes swimming, gymnastics, flexibility exercises, yoga, and weightlifting. This diverse training is essential to maintain the strength, agility, and endurance required for the sport.
The Reality Behind the Grace
Though artistic swimming may look effortless, it demands exceptional physical endurance. Athletes spend a significant portion of their routines underwater, necessitating rigorous apnoea training.
Shortman and Thorpe can hold their breath for up to three minutes and thirty seconds. This breath control is crucial for maintaining the seamless, graceful appearance of their routines, despite the physical strain.
Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe: A Closer Look
Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe are not just teammates but lifelong friends who have grown up together in the same city.
Their bond extends to their families, with Thorpe’s mother, Karen, coaching the pair and leading them into Paris 2024.
Their journey has been marked by hard work and determination, with training sessions starting early and extending late into the day.
The Impact of Coaching and Judging Changes
The appointment of Yumiko Tomomatsu as their coach has been a game-changer. The introduction of a new judging system. which emphasizes the difficulty of moves similar to gymnastics has allowed Shortman and Thorpe to showcase their technical skills more effectively.
This shift from a purely judged system to one that considers the complexity of each move has significantly improved their prospects.
Creative and Technical Aspects of Routines
In artistic swimming, blending technical precision with creative choreography is key.
Shortman and Thorpe’s routines, such as the “Rising Phoenix” and a Big Ben-themed performance, demonstrate their ability to innovate while adhering to the sport’s rigorous standards.
The “Rising Phoenix” symbolizes the sport’s evolution, while the Big Ben routine adds a touch of British flair.
Training at the Community Pool
Training in a community pool comes with its own set of challenges. Shortman and Thorpe share their space with aqua joggers and local swimmers, who sometimes object to the loud music used in their routines. Despite these distractions, they maintain their focus and adapt to their environment.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
The road to Paris has not been without obstacles. After finishing 14th in Tokyo, Shortman and Thorpe faced doubts and financial constraints.
The lack of funding and the need to balance training with academic commitments made their journey even more challenging. However, their determination and the support from their coach have helped them overcome these hurdles.
Looking Ahead to Paris 2024
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, Team GB is poised to make a strong impression.
The evolving nature of artistic swimming, with its faster and more dynamic routines, sets the stage for an exciting competition. Fans can expect Shortman and Thorpe to shine, showcasing their hard-earned skills and creativity.