Did you think synchronized swimming was only for liberals who can't handle contact sports? Think again. The 2022 South American Games hosted in Asunción, Paraguay from October 1-15 brought this mesmerizing sport to the fore. These games showcased what happens when discipline, grace, and athleticism meet a platform that should be about skill and dedication, not virtue-signaling.
For the uninitiated, artistic swimming—formerly known as synchronized swimming—is a choreographed blend of swimming, dance, and gymnastics. The event at the South American Games gathered top talents from across the continent who trained tirelessly, proving that raw skill and an unyielding work ethic still matter in a world increasingly obsessed with identity over individuality. This event served as a stark counter to the current cultural tide, where every splash seems to have an agenda attached to it.
The stars of the show this year included Brazil and Colombia, nations steeped in rich traditions of both competitive sports and conservative values. Their athletes mastered the art of moving in sync, a refreshing reminder of what real teamwork looks like—no whining about who might get a ribbon regardless of performance. Unlike some other sports where the playing field is skewed by identity rather than talent, here, excellence was the criterion, period.
What a joy it was to see nations competing in the artistic swimming pool without any virtue-signaling about inclusion and equity overshadowing the brilliance of individual achievement. This event exemplified what happens when sports are about excellence and unity rather than division and agendas.
With participants ranging in age and skill level, the artistic swimming competitions saw everyone pushing their limits. These athletes understand meritocracy—an idea that could benefit more than just the sporting world. Their routines were captivating, filled with precision and creativity, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats without a hint of political monologuing.
What made this competition even more fascinating was the diversity among the teams. Nations like Argentina and Peru showcased their talents with routines that were anything but monotonous. You didn’t need a public service announcement to appreciate the complexities and awe of their synchronized moves. This diversity was organic—born out of varied life experiences and training, not forced mandates.
Yet, as they always do, some pundits tried to steer the conversation elsewhere. Instead of focusing on competition, liberal networks wanted to discuss whether insensitive cultural representations were entrenched in the performances. To which I say—what about the dedication, sweat, and tears these athletes poured into their performances? It’s high time we remind people of a simple fact: artistic swimming, like all sports, should prioritize merit.
All in all, the artistic swimming events at the 2022 South American Games were a masterclass in skill and a staunch rebuttal to the current cultural obsession with empty gesturing. The athletes competed, spectators watched, and the pureness of sport triumphed. The waters of merit-based excellence washed over the poolside arena, offering a flicker of hope that real talent is recognized when we strip away the pandering and focus on what matters—sportsmanship, effort, and skill.
In a world increasingly tangled in rhetoric and divisive language, the beauty of these swimmers’ performances speaks louder than any loudspeaker. Hopes are high that we’ll continue to witness this kind of unadulterated brilliance and healthy competition in future games. Until then, let’s celebrate this anchor of merit in a sea of chaos.