“So Much Bullying”: After Years of Being Ousted Summer Games in Paris to Finally Include Men in an Unlikely Sport

Male synchronized swimmers have long been the subject of ridicule due to stereotypes surrounding masculinity. However, this year the International Olympic Committee has taken a significant step towards breaking down these stereotypes by allowing men to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics for the first time. Previously, the World Championships too did not allow men to participate in the female-dominated event. But that changed in 2015, and since then, male artistic swimmers like Bill May have been dazzling audiences with their grace and athleticism in the water.

Now these athletes will get to bring their talents to the biggest stage in sports, challenging the notion that artistic swimming is exclusively for women or that it is inferior to other aquatic events. May believes this is the correct way to break down gender barriers and promote inclusivity in the sport.

Breaking boundaries with Male artistic swimming debut at the 2024 Olympics

Male swimmers weren’t even considered athletes in the past. They were allowed to compete in the lower levels of synchronized events for years. May and his fellow synchronized swimmers want to use this opportunity to prove that they deserve respect. May spoke to the Associated Press, saying, “There has always been that misconception that it’s a female-only sport, or that it’s for wimps, or that it’s not a difficult sport”. He asked the trolls to try the “difficult sport” for themselves before making judgments.

The 44-year-old swimmer challenged the popular view of artistic swimming as water ballet. Instead, it is a team acrobatic event that requires immense strength, flexibility, and precision. According to Now This News, Bill May described it as “gymnastics on water and concussions are a risk”.

Now, with two limited spots for men in the eight-member artistic swimming team, male swimmers like Bill May and Kenny Gaudet can show the world what they have trained for. Gaudet reflected on the years of “so much bullying. So much slander” in his interview with Now This News. However, they stayed resilient in the face of prejudice and discrimination to lead their peers to a new horizon.

Male artistic swimmers redefine the sport with resilience and determination

Bill May and Kenny Gaudet are trailblazers in male artistic swimming. They have opened up opportunities for other male swimmers to pursue their passion. The number of male artistic swimmers in the U.S. has risen from 25 to 100 in just four years. Adam Andrasko, head of USA Artistic Swimming, is still worried that because the male swimmers lack flexibility, there is a high chance that not many men will qualify for the Olympics.

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However, the female artistic swimmers are excited by the possibility of tuning their routines to include more complex lifts and formations with the addition of male partners. Olympian Anita Alvarez believes this collaboration will add a new dynamic to their performances. It will also promote the sport to a broader audience. She is excited to start training and choreographing new rotations with the new additions to the team.

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