US Artistic Swimming Team Moonwalks Upside Down, Honours Michael Jackson

Sir Michael Jackson has 'moonwalked' his way into history unhinged. He was the creator of the world-known dance routine, The Moonwalk. The smoothness of his walk was only succeeded by his iconic attitude. But that's not where its legacy ends. Recently, the USA artistic swimming team wowed the world in a glorious attempt to replicate the moonwalk underwater at the Olympics 2024,

What is Artistic Swimming?

Artistic Swimming is one of the most entertaining competitive sports at the Olympics. It requires the athletes to perform acrobatics underwater. Also called synchronised swimming, as the performers have to be in sync or perform along to the tune or song playing. 

The apparatus for scoring also sets it apart from any other game at the Olympics. Athletes are judged based on synchronisation, level of difficulty, music, choreography, expressions, flexibility and the like. Initially, it was just a women's game but since 2015 duet events have been introduced. 

Underwater Moonwalk 

Who would have thought the iconic Moonwalk could be performed underwater? This thought was put into glorious action before the world could wonder. The USA Artistic Swimming Team performed MJ's iconic 1987 hit 'Smooth Criminal.' The performance video has gone viral on social media with over 16 million views. Comment sections are tainted with crying emoticons and awe-stricken gifs, words of praise and utter pride. 

artistic swimming team US doing the moonwalk are you kiiiiiddding me. the artistry. & this is why this the only sport i love :’) pic.twitter.com/tLLWXbYCbs

— baby c (@ccantrallx) August 5, 2024

One user even quoted how if he could see it, MJ would be proud. 

Michael Jackson would be proud, how do you moonwalk underwater 😭 ????pic.twitter.com/xflmtjClEM

— vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) August 6, 2024

From Costumes to Moves, everything was MJ inspired 

The elegant performers adorned a combination of black and silver bodysuits. Jackson too had a similar taste in his dance couture and often wore this combination. 

The Michael Jackson inspired outfits, his signature poses, the amazing moonwalk they did upside down, this is in different areas!! #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/uQflEzUOXC

— Erisa | fan account (@thegoldeneri) August 6, 2024

Did the USA team moonwalk towards victory?

In the technical round, Team USA secured 282.7567 points and went up to the 4th position. China currently holds position no. 1 with an astounding score of 21 points. The technical round is followed up by the free routine round. That shall decide the fate of the USA's Team.