Last Wednesday (22) was marked as International Water Day and the Official Website of Mais Querido had a chat with those who understand the subject: the girls from Flamengo's synchronized swimming team. The team, which usually trains four hours a day in the Gávea pools, told us a little about the world in which the sport is, literally, immersed and showed us some of the essential items in the daily lives of the red-black mermaids.

 

Anyone who thought a swimsuit was enough for the Brazilian champion team to prepare for the season's challenges is sorely mistaken. Check out all the accessories, equipment, and even movements used by our athletes in the water below:

 

Nose Clip: This small accessory is a kind of clip that helps athletes keep their nostrils taped shut, blocking water from entering their noses when they turn upside down. The Nose Clip isn't used exclusively by synchronized swimmers. Swimmers often use it as well.

 

Underwater sound system: Technology that allows the sound used in choreography and routines to also be heard underwater. This makes it easier for athletes to time their movements and maintain rhythm.

Palmateio: The palmateo technique consists of movements athletes make with their arms. It serves to support the body in the water and even to move during routines.

 

egg beater: This is the alternating movement athletes make with their legs. The Egg Beater helps with support and locomotion in the water. This kicking technique is also frequently used in water polo, especially by goalkeepers.  

                      

Colorless gelatinSynchronized swimming isn't just about technique and precision. The sport, which is also judged on artistic aspects, requires athletes to be mindful of aesthetics. Colorless gelatin is used on the hair, like a kind of gel, to prevent any strand from falling out of place during the extremely fast and dynamic routines.

 

On top of all this, Flamengo's synchronized swimming teams also rely on a decisive factor: intense training and dedication in the pool. They spend six days a week preparing to give their best in the water. At last year's Brazilian Championship alone, the "Mais Querido" won 21 medals and was the overall champion, proving that hard work pays off.