Synchronized swimming has been on the Summer Olympics program ever since 1984, but was demonstrated as early as 1954. It was not until 1968 that synchronized swimming became officially recognized by FINA as the fourth water sport next to swimming, platform diving and water polo.

The current program has competitions for duets and teams, but previously there were also individual competition formats. Traditionally, the United States, Canada and Japan dominated, then they have won every single medal in 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996. In the last two Olympics, however, Russia has won all gold medals.

Olympic and World Championship competition is not open to men, but other international and national competitions allow male competitors. Both USA Synchro and Synchro Canada allow men to compete with women. – Most European countries allow men to compete also, France even allows male only podiums, according to the number of participants.