Swimming Pretty

”[An] enlightening, well-researched history … As [Valosik’s] book reveals in fascinating detail, although women’s access to the water has been mired for centuries in gender politics … women have transformed swimming for everyone in fundamental ways.” – Sarah L. Kaufman - Wall Street Journal“Journalist Vicki Valosik, herself a master synchronized swimmer, knows that the sport involves more than waterproof makeup and spangled costumes. Her new book, “Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water,” traces the history of the sport with the precision and grace of an Esther Williams tableau … As the 2024 Games begin next month in Paris, “Swimming Pretty” can be a great primer on a spectacular, strenuous sport.” – The Los Angeles Times”[A] fascinating book… [Valosik] compellingly conveys how difficult it is to stay underwa­ter for minutes at a time, to kick in concert with seven other potent pairs of legs, to propel one’s body high out of the water—in full makeup and with a dazzling smile.” – Lucy Moore - Literary Review”[Valosik] give[s] an exhaustive history of swimming pretty without exhausting you. Her writing is lively and takes you right into each moment, then sends you off to tell everyone else about how tough this beautiful sport is – even if trying it sounds like a very tall order.” – Isabel Hardman - The Spectator

Vicki Valosik is a masters synchronized swimmer whose writing has appeared in publications such as the Atlantic, Smithsonian magazine, and Slate. She is an editorial director and teaches writing at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.