**Artistic swimming at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships – Free routine combination**
**Definition**
The free routine combination event in artistic swimming at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships was a team-based competition where national teams performed choreographed routines combining elements of ballet, gymnastics, and swimming, judged on artistic impression, technical skill, and synchronization.
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## Artistic swimming at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships – Free routine combination
### Introduction
The free routine combination event in artistic swimming at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships was held as part of the broader artistic swimming program. This event showcased the creativity, athleticism, and synchronization of teams from around the world, competing in a routine that combines solos, duets, trios, and team elements within a single performance. The competition took place in Budapest, Hungary, from June 18 to June 20, 2022, at the Danube Arena, a premier aquatic sports venue.
### Background of Artistic Swimming and the Free Routine Combination
Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is a hybrid form of swimming, dance, and gymnastics performed in water. It demands advanced water skills, breath control, strength, flexibility, and precise timing. The free routine combination event is unique in that it allows teams to incorporate a variety of formations and groupings within one routine, including solos, duets, trios, and full team segments, providing a dynamic and varied performance.
The free routine combination is distinct from other artistic swimming events because it emphasizes creativity and artistic expression without the constraints of required technical elements. Teams have the freedom to design routines that highlight their strengths, musical interpretation, and innovative choreography.
### Event Format and Rules
The free routine combination event at the World Aquatics Championships follows the regulations set by World Aquatics (formerly FINA). Each team consists of up to ten swimmers, with eight performing in the water at any given time. The routine lasts between four and five minutes and is performed to music chosen by the team.
Judging criteria include:
– **Artistic impression:** choreography, interpretation of the music, creativity, and presentation.
– **Execution:** precision, synchronization, and control of movements.
– **Difficulty:** complexity of figures, lifts, and transitions.
Teams are allowed to use lifts, throws, and hybrid movements that combine swimming and acrobatics. The free routine combination encourages innovation, allowing teams to push the boundaries of the sport.
### Schedule and Venue
The competition was conducted over two days:
– **Preliminary round:** June 18, 2022
– **Final round:** June 20, 2022
The Danube Arena in Budapest served as the venue. This state-of-the-art facility was constructed for the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and has since hosted numerous international aquatic events. It features a 50-meter pool with adjustable depth and advanced timing and scoring systems.
### Participating Nations and Teams
The 2022 free routine combination event featured 15 national teams from across the globe, representing all inhabited continents. The diversity of participants reflected the growing global interest and development in artistic swimming.
Notable participating countries included:
– Russia (competing as the Russian Swimming Federation due to international sanctions)
– China
– Ukraine
– Japan
– Italy
– Spain
– Canada
– United States
– France
– Brazil
Each team brought a unique style and approach to the competition, influenced by their cultural backgrounds and training methodologies.
### Preliminary Round
The preliminary round served to determine the top 12 teams that would advance to the final. Each team performed their free routine combination, aiming to impress the judges with technical skill and artistic creativity.
The preliminary performances were marked by a high level of competition, with teams showcasing intricate formations, synchronized lifts, and innovative choreography. The Russian Swimming Federation led the preliminary round with a score that reflected their technical precision and artistic excellence.
### Final Round
The final round featured the top 12 teams from the preliminaries. The stakes were higher, and teams often refined their routines to maximize impact. The final performances were broadcast internationally, drawing significant attention from fans and experts.
The Russian Swimming Federation secured the gold medal with a routine that combined technical mastery, dramatic musical interpretation, and flawless synchronization. China earned the silver medal, demonstrating strong athleticism and creative choreography. Ukraine captured the bronze medal, impressing judges with their expressive performance and technical difficulty.
### Results Summary
| Rank | Nation | Score | Medal |
|——-|—————————-|———–|————-|
| 1 | Russian Swimming Federation | 95.5000 | Gold |
| 2 | China | 93.2000 | Silver |
| 3 | Ukraine | 91.8000 | Bronze |
| 4 | Italy | 89.5000 | — |
| 5 | Japan | 88.7000 | — |
| 6 | Spain | 87.9000 | — |
| 7 | United States | 86.3000 | — |
| 8 | Canada | 85.6000 | — |
| 9 | France | 84.2000 | — |
| 10 | Brazil | 82.9000 | — |
| 11 | Australia | 81.5000 | — |
| 12 | Great Britain | 80.7000 | — |
### Significance and Impact
The free routine combination event at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships highlighted the evolution of artistic swimming as a sport that blends athleticism with artistic expression. The performances demonstrated the increasing technical difficulty and creativity teams bring to the sport, reflecting years of training and innovation.
The event also underscored the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Russia and China, while showcasing the rise of other nations such as Ukraine and Italy. The competition contributed to the sport’s visibility and popularity, inspiring younger athletes and expanding the global fan base.
### Technical Innovations and Trends
The 2022 free routine combination routines featured several technical innovations:
– **Hybrid lifts and throws:** Teams incorporated complex lifts that combined acrobatic elements with swimming techniques, increasing the difficulty and visual impact.
– **Underwater choreography:** Enhanced use of underwater movements and transitions added fluidity and surprise elements to routines.
– **Music integration:** Teams selected diverse musical genres, including classical, contemporary, and culturally inspired pieces, enhancing the storytelling aspect of their performances.
– **Costume design:** Innovative costumes complemented the choreography, using colors and materials that enhanced visual effects in the water.
These trends reflect the sport’s ongoing development and the athletes’ commitment to pushing artistic and technical boundaries.
### Judging and Scoring Controversies
As with many judged sports, artistic swimming occasionally faces scrutiny regarding scoring fairness and transparency. At the 2022 Championships, some observers debated the scoring margins between the top teams, particularly between China and Ukraine. However, no formal protests or appeals were lodged.
World Aquatics continues to refine judging criteria and training to ensure objectivity and consistency, including the use of video replay and standardized scoring panels.
### Future of the Free Routine Combination Event
Looking ahead, the free routine combination event is expected to maintain its status as a highlight of artistic swimming competitions. The event’s flexibility allows teams to innovate and express their unique styles, which is likely to attract new audiences.
Efforts to increase global participation and support for emerging nations are ongoing, with development programs aimed at expanding the sport’s reach. Technological advancements in training and performance analysis may further enhance the quality and competitiveness of future events.
### Conclusion
The free routine combination event at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships was a compelling display of artistic swimming’s blend of sport and art. The competition in Budapest brought together the world’s best teams, delivering performances that combined technical skill, creativity, and athleticism. The event not only crowned the Russian Swimming Federation as champions but also highlighted the sport’s dynamic evolution and growing international appeal.
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**Meta Description:**
The free routine combination event at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships featured top artistic swimming teams competing in a dynamic, choreographed routine combining solos, duets, and team elements, showcasing creativity and technical skill.