Just week ago, Canada and the United States of America together hosted the first leg of the 2022 World Series virtually.  Artistic swimming was able to implement virtual events very successfully at a world level. In fact, the virtual events have been so successful that this year’s World Series includes one more virtual leg, hosted by Australia and taking place from 7-8 May. 

If the number of participating countries, the quality of the performances, and the results of the competition during the first leg are any indication, this weekend in Paris will be exciting and filled with thrilling competitions.

The competition will be taking place at the Piscine Georges Vallerey, originally named Piscine des Tourelles and built for the Paris 1924 Olympic Games, the site of many important events and moments in aquatic sports. Competing in this historic pool is electric, exciting, and magical. Adding to the allure is the fact that this city will be the site of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a goal for many, if not all, participating in Paris this weekend.

The event excitement can be felt in the air at the pool, a nervous energy as a new generation of athletes prepares to swim their routines in front of what is sure to be packed stands with live fans.  The French fans will have plenty to cheer for as their hometown favorites Soloist Eve Planeix and Duet partners and twin sisters Anastasia and Daria Bayandina are scheduled to compete.  Planeix won the gold medal in the Free Solo event during the first leg, while the Bayandina sisters claimed the silver medal in the Technical Duet event.  

In the Duet Free event, the USA’s Megumi Field and Natalia Vega will be defending their win from the first leg.  The Team events, both the Technical and the Free, look to be exciting showdowns. In the Technical event, France will try to continue its winning streak as it competes against Canada, Chile, Spain, and the United States.  While in the Free event, Canada will try and continue its winning streak as it takes on Chile, Denmark, and Spain.

All three days of this World Series will be live streamed on the FINA website. On Friday, the Duet Technical and Duet Free will be contested. Saturday’s program features the Women and Men Solo Free and Solo Technical, and the Mixed Team Highlight and Mixed Team Free Combo. Finally, on Sunday the event will be concluded with the Mixed Duet Technical, Team Technical, Mixed Duet Free and Team Free events.

You can find live results here.