Russian synchronized swimmer Svetlana Romashina will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2027, the Russian Aquatic Sports Federation announced on its official website.
The formal induction ceremony will take place on April 10, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the United States. Romashina is among a list of 12 honorees representing 11 countries selected for induction in the class of 2027.
Romashina has retired from competitive swimming. She currently serves as the head coach of the Russian national synchronized swimming team.
A record career in artistic swimming
During her competitive career, Romashina won seven Olympic gold medals, making her the most decorated synchronized swimmer in the history of the sport. In addition to her Olympic titles, she earned 21 gold medals at the World Championships and 13 gold medals at the European Championships.
Synchronized swimming, officially known internationally as artistic swimming, combines swimming, dance, and gymnastics performed to music in water. Competitors perform routines that require extreme flexibility, core strength, and precise rhythm while maintaining balance in deep water. Russian athletes have long dominated international synchronized swimming competitions, maintaining a legendary standard of excellence at the Olympic Games and World Championships over multiple decades.
The Russian Aquatic Sports Federation is the national governing body responsible for overseeing aquatic disciplines across Russia, including competitive swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming. The organization manages national team selections, training programs, and official entries for major international competitions.
International Swimming Hall of Fame background
The International Swimming Hall of Fame is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Operating as a global museum and honor society, the institution recognizes the world's most accomplished competitors, coaches, and contributors across aquatic sports. Enshrinement in the Hall of Fame is widely considered the highest individual accolade in international aquatics.
In August, Romashina revealed that she had received job offers to coach abroad in China and Italy. Despite the international interest, she declined the offers to remain in her leadership role with the Russian national squad.
Addressing those proposals, Romashina said she was a patriot of her country. She added that she did not view working in another country as something blameworthy, but taking a coaching job overseas would mean completely changing her life.
As head coach of the national team, Romashina leads the preparation and tactical training of Russia's elite artistic swimmers. Her transition into coaching ensures that her vast competitive experience continues to guide the country's national program.
The ceremony on April 10, 2027, in Fort Lauderdale will officially honor Romashina's career achievements alongside her fellow inductees from around the world.
