1.   How do they smile with those nose clips on and one leg in the air?

2.   Describing the myriad drills we did would be dull, even to those who regularly don nose clips and ear plugs.

3.   Health officials warn residents to hold their noses while under water or use nose clips while swimming in any freshwater swimming areas.

4.   The nose clip prevents a nasal cavity full of water during upside-down movements, and some synchro swimmers even tuck a spare clip into their suits.

5.   They move alternatively like toy soldiers and ballerinas, wearing waterproof Tammy Faye makeup and industrial-strength nose clips.

6.   This is why we must endure synchronized swimming, that wonder of mirror imaging whose glamour is marred only by rubber nose clips.