Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronised swimming, is a
relatively new discipline with its origins in water acrobatics.
Originally known as water ballet, the pastime was first practised
in the late 19th century with the first recorded competition held in the
German capital Berlin in 1891. At the start of the 20th century,
Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman helped popularise the sport when she
toured the United States performing water acrobatics.