FACTBOX: Synchronized swimming at the Games

Factbox on synchronized swimming at the August 8-24 Beijing Olympics:

HISTORY

Synchronized swimming as a sport began in the 1950s and it was recognized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1952. The first competition, an all-American championship, was held three years later.

Synchronized swimming joined the Olympic program as a solo and pairs event in Los Angeles in 1984. In 1996, a team event for eight swimmers was held instead. Team and duet events were introduced in Sydney in 2000.

EVENTS

Women's team event (eight teams)

Women's duet (16 pairs)

OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION

A total of 104 athletes will take part.

2004 CHAMPIONS

Duet: Anastasia Davydova/Anastasia Ermakova (Russia)

Team event: Russia

OLYMPIC PROGRAMME (FINALS ONLY)

August 20 - Duet

August 23 - Team

VENUE

National Aquatics Centre

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.fina.org

(Editing by Clare Fallon)