#synchroforever

The IOC has requested FINA rebrand the sport of Synchronized Swimming, in an attempt to revitalize the popularity of the sport. In the past 30 years, the sport has increased in popularity, with new events being incorporated, males participating at the international level, new countries participating competitively in international competitions. What both parties are forgetting is Synchro (as we all call it) is a SPORT with extreme ATHLETICISM, POWER, STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY and ENDURANCE. Renaming it as Artistic Swimming does nothing to convey the athleticism of our fabulous sport, if anything it's a lateral move in terms of branding and pays absolutely no respect to Synchronized swimmers, past and present.

FINA has only just recently opened the door for Men to compete at Worlds, and this name change will be more of a deterant to males than a calling card.

Synchronized Swimming today, compared to the 1950's, exemplifies the Olympic Motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius" - "Swifter, Higher, Stronger", and it does this better than many sports currently in the Olympics.

We are a sport that is highly dependent on volunteers, and funding, the costs of changing the name at every level could potentially  cripple some organizations. Is IOC and FINA prepared to help fund this rebranding? 

There is nothing wrong with rebranding, as the sport has developed and morphed so much over the last 50 years, with the increased technical difficulty, athleticism, and inclusion of Men. Please involve the Synchronized Swimming community in this decision and make it a positive move forward for the athletes, coaches, judges, and volunteers and clubs...past and present!