DIVE INTO THE DEEP END
USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS) serves as the National Governing Body for artistic swimming in the United States, recognized both by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and World Aquatics, and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the sport nationwide.
Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, combines elements of dance, gymnastics, and swimming into choreographed routines performed in the water. In recent years, USA Artistic Swimming has achieved significant milestones including a silver medal win in the team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, its first Olympic medal in artistic swimming since 2004.
Beyond competition, USAAS is dedicated to fostering a strong community around artistic swimming, supporting the sport’s growth by funding programs to prepare today’s artistic swimmers to become tomorrow’s champions and leaders. With the motto “We Move As One”, they truly embody the strength of working together towards a common goal.
Q: The team has made a name for itself as a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. What inspired USA Artistic Swimming to get involved in ocean conservation?
A: Artistic swimming is about connection—between athletes, movement, and most importantly, water. Spending countless hours training, performing, and finding strength in the pool has given our athletes a deep respect for the element that defines our sport. As we rose to the Olympic podium, we also recognized a responsibility: to use our platform to protect the natural waters that inspire and sustain our work. Ocean conservation isn’t just a cause—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we represent.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make through this partnership?
A: Through our partnership we hope to spark awareness, inspire action, and create a lasting ripple effect far beyond the pool.Whether it’s encouraging fans to reduce plastic use, supporting clean water initiatives, or sharing our story and passion for water, our goal is to empower the next generation of athletes and ocean advocates to care deeply and act boldly.
Q: Why do you think athletes have a role to play in protecting the ocean?
A: Athletes have a unique platform and voice that can inspire change far beyond their sport. For those of us in artistic swimming, the connection to water is personal—it’s where we train, compete, and express ourselves. Because of that bond, we feel a deep responsibility to protect it.
Q: At every performance, and in every body movement, the team brings the passion; how can we bring that same energy to ocean conservation?
A: At every performance, and in every body movement, our team brings passion—and that same energy can fuel real change when it comes to ocean conservation. Our 2024 Olympic Free Team routine was a tribute to water in all its forms: powerful, fluid, still, and wild. Every motion we performed told the story of how water connects us, moves us, and sustains life. We designed it as a reminder that we, as humans, simply can’t survive without it. By channeling that same emotion and intensity into protecting our oceans, we can turn art into action—and performance into purpose.
“This is the partnership that transcends sport. What our members value, what our national team is at its core is what protect where we play is. This is an incredible opportunity to elevate both our brands and we look forward to this partnership activation.”
– Adam Andrasko, Chief Executive Officer of USA Artistic Swimming
Q: What would you say to artistic swimming fans about getting involved in ocean conservation?
A: To our artistic swimming fans: the water that inspires our sport is the same water that sustains our planet. You don’t have to be an Olympian to make a difference—small actions add up. Let’s work together to protect the oceans that give life to our sport and our world.
Water you waiting for? By joining USAAS and taking action to #ProtectWhereWePlay, you’re protecting the ocean and the future of the sports and entertainment we all love.
Image Credit: USAAS
