China's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
China's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
Viewers have been left confused and amazed by the incredible feats of the synchronised swimmers as they put on displays of spellbinding uniformity under and above the water today.
It's a sport that few understand, yet the mystery seems to have added to the spectacle as millions tuned in to watch the swimmers in the Rio pool.
Many have taken to Twitter to marvel at the stunning athletes, while admitting they have little idea what the competition actually entails.
Ukraine's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
One viewer left with more questions than answers, asked: 'What is this? What did I just watch? Are they human? Is this a sport? So many questions!'
Australia's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
Spectators were left scratching their heads as to how the swimmers maintained their impeccable hair and make-up, which looking pristine even as they emerged from the pool.
China's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
Some suggested the swimmers, who spend even more time performing under the water than above it, use gelatine in their hair to maintain the style.
But most simply admired the remarkable swimming skills of the competitors, performing incredible acrobatics in perfect unison - all while under water.
Japan's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
Philippa B wrote on Twitter: 'Just inadvertently watched some #SynchronisedSwimming. How they don't kick each other in the head I don't know. Very impressive.'
Another wrote: 'I can just about swim horizontally and these chicks are able to swim vertically and all with perfect timing.'
The Japanese drew on ancient traditions and the Brazilians burst forward with an edgy rock-and-roll routine, but no synchronised swimming team came close to preventing Russia from taking the lead in technical routines.
China's team competes during the synchronized swimming team technical routine final in the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP.
Notching a score of 97.0106 out of a possible 100, Russia again showed off the graceful ballet-like moves, athletic prowess, and ever more creative routines that have earned them every team medal since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
With Russia's other Rio choreographies centred around mermaids or gypsies, Thursday's team fast-paced, vibrant team performance was based on the idea of a big, bustling city.
China came in second with 95.6174 points and Japan third with 93.7723.
Team medals will be awarded after today's free routine competition.
