Australia and Synch Swimming
Australia has been represented by 17 athletes while never medalling at the Olympic Games in synchronised swimming. Donella Burridge who represented Australia when the sport debuted in 1984 placed 12th in the solo event for our best individual result. At the Sydney Games Australia qualified a full team as host nation and placed 8th.
Olympic History
Synchronised swimming, which is open only to women competitors, became an Olympic sport in Los Angeles in 1984 with solo and duet events. The original events remained for three Olympics (Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992) until they were replaced by an eight-woman team event in Atlanta in 1996. Sydney 2000 saw the duet return to the Olympic program to join the team event. Synchronised swimming is one of only three Olympic disciplines in which only women are allowed to compete (the other two being rhythmic gymnastics and softball).
Gold Medal Winners from the Past Three Olympic Games
Team Event
Atlanta 1996 - USA
Sydney 2000 - RUSSIA
Athens 2004 - RUSSIA
Duet Event
Atlanta 1996 - not held
Sydney 2000 - RUSSIA
Athens 2004 - RUSSIA