But Did the Judges Get It?

By Melissa August, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Daren Fonda, Belinda Luscombe, Ellin Martens, Benjamin Nugent, Eric Roston, Susanna Schrobsdorff, Josh Tyrangiel

The problem with so many Olympic sports--the 400-m run, the pole vault, skeet shooting--is that they lack narrative. This accusation cannot be leveled at synchronized swimming. Each routine has a theme, which swimmers take very seriously--even if their intentions aren't always clear. Below, a primer.

RUSSIA GOLD MEDAL Theme: Witches Swimmers sported green fingernails and bathing suits with cobwebs

JAPAN SILVER MEDAL Theme: The Bird of Wonder In a setting normally reserved for fish, the team evoked fowl but still came up short

FRANCE FOURTH PLACE Theme: Carmen Inspired by Rodion Shchedrin's ballet Carmen Suite, the routine mimicked flamenco dancing and bullfights

CANADA BRONZE MEDAL Theme: The Olympic Games The women mimed sports such as cycling, rowing, hurdling and boxing