The International Olympic Committee has given its approval for World Aquatics to allow men to participate in the artistic swimming competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (artistic swimming was formerly known as synchronised swimming, until 2017)

Men will now be eligible to compete in the team event. There are eight competitors in each team. The new rules will permit a maximum of two men to compete in each team at the Olympic Games. Ten teams are expected to compete. 

Artistic swimming has been in the Olympic Games since 1984, and this will be the first time men have been eligible to be included in a team at the Games. Men have been allowed to compete in the sport at the FINA World Aquatics Championships since 2015 

This is a day of celebration for those who have campaigned for the inclusion of men in the sport at the Olympic Games and who have pioneered men’s participation. 

"The inclusion of men in Olympic Artistic Swimming was once considered the impossible dream. This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory." 

"This announcement marks a milestone in Artistic Swimming history. Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward, and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement.  As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”.” 

“Aquatics sports are universal, and men have proven themselves to be excellent artistic swimmers. I look forward to this new dimension of artistic swimming being shared with the world in Paris. The inclusion of men in artistic swimming is a great credit to all those who have worked for many years to make this happen,” said World Aquatics President Captain Husain Al-Musallam.  

Australia's main male athlete Ethan Calleja commented" Honestly some of the best news we could receive. This change affects not only men in the sport but the history of the sport itself. Although I have not been fighting for this change as long as some of the other men around the world, the change is a dream come true, and I am not ready to stop fighting. Being able to have to door open and an opportunity arise is more than I could ever ask for. I can't wait to work as hard as I can to hopefully be on that Olympic stage, not only against the other men but to represent my country at the pinnacle of our sport. I am genuinely grateful for the chance to even begin this sport and for all the people who have supported me and other men through to this point. Hopefully, it will impact not just us now but for generations to come.