Synchronised Swimming

The synchronised swimmers who crawl like an insect By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 9:09 AM on 19th July 2011 With 16 arms and 16 legs, this fusion of limbs looks like a group performing a dance move that replicates some kind of human-sized centipede. But this stack of body parts actually belongs to a eight elite athletes who use their arms and legs to perform a series of spectacular maneuvers. The limbs belong to members of the Italian synchronised swimming squad, who are taking part in this year's world championship. And the insect like routine was just one of the choreographed moves by the Italian squad for the preliminary round of competition at the event. Stacking up: The Italian synchronised swimming team perform this move as part of their routine in the world championship in Shanghai Making a splash: Following their impressive feat outside of the pool the Italian team then took to the water to perform their routine Taking a deep breath: The Australian squad perform a series of underwater maneuvers during the first day of competition The group of eight women were just one of a number of teams competing in the FINA synchronised swimming championship in Shanghai, China. As well as the Italians, teams from 45 countries are competing at the championships, which are held every two years. Competitors are battling for seven gold medals, with single, duo and team titles up for grabs in two separate styles, technical and free. Bottom's up: A team of Chinese synchronised swimmers perform during the preliminary round of the technical event Flying high: The British team perform an acrobatic move in the pool, while the Spanish squad formed this circle of competitors during their turn in the water Kicking out: Members of the South African team leap out of the water Natalia Ischenko of Russia has been the star of the championship so far. She won her second gold medal of the event today teaming up with Svetlana Romashina to win the duet technical final Monday. Ischenko and Romashina finished with 98.200 points beating the Chinese and Spanish pairs into second and third place. Ischenko's victory added to her solo gold medal, which she won yesterday. The victories take her world championship tally to 13. Contrasting colours: The Columbian ladies fluroscent orange costumes clashed strikingly with the water during their attempt to wow the judges Champions: Natalia Ishchenko, left, and Svetlana Romashina perform their gold medal winning routine Stars of the show: The interlocking arms of the Australian team formed a star shape during their routine