These photos show what's happening below the surface in synchronized swimming

Members of team Italy extend their legs out of the pool...

...with a boost from the swimmers pushing upward.

Japan's swimmers made this handstand look effortless.

But it took all their combined strength to pull off.

Team Australia smiles for the crowd.

At the same time, they fight to stay afloat.

A Brazilian swimmer flies through the air...

...thanks to the teammates who launched her.

Team Japan's swimmers perform an upside down split.

You can see their arms churning the water below the surface.

Swimmers from Ukraine emote during their routine.

They stay upright using a leg kick called the eggbeater.

Source: Team USA

The judges see a perfect leg formation from Team Brazil.

They don't see the effort behind it.

Japan's swimmers show off their flexibility.

You can see just how close together they are in the underwater view.

It looks like the swimmer in the handstand is being held up by just one person.

In reality, it's a team effort.

Team Ukraine forms a lattice of extended legs.

And it's definitely not as simple as it looks.

Watch NBC's coverage of synchronized swimming right here.