While the synchronized swimming program remained the same as it had since 2000, with a duet and a team event for women, the most notable change was in the name. In 2017 the International Swimming Federation (Fédération internationale de natation, FINA) decided to rename the discipline “artistic swimming” to distance itself from its reputation as “water ballet” and more accurately rebrand its modern evolution. Otherwise, however, the format remained the same. The events were held in the newly-constructed Olympic Aquatics Centre in Tokyo, which also hosted the diving and other swimming events.
Russia had been the dominant power in this sport for nearly two decades, and the Tokyo Olympics were no exception. Although technically competing as “Russian Olympic Committee athletes”, as they were forbidden to compete under their own flag due to their large-scale doping programs, the Russians met expectations and won both events. National star Svetlana Romashina increased her gold medal tally to seven, a record for the sport. The Chinese women, the usual runners-up to the Russians, came second in both events in Tokyo as well. While Japan was seen as a favorite for the bronze medals, particularly having the hometown advantage, they were outshone by the Ukrainians, who took the final podium spot in both competitions.
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