Ferret enthusiast Alexa Laipply parades Sid in a quest for prizes and prestige.

Jeremy Nascimento, a competitor in the Junior Men’s Technical category.

The Saint Paul Stars (pictured), from Minnesota — put their strength, grace and artistry on the water line at the U.S. Open

The Pursuit of Excellence reveals the ambition, determination and passion of those who pursue distinction in unconventional fields. From the strength and grace of synchronized swimming to the glamour and creativity at the "Hair Olympics" to the adorable quirkiness of ferret shows, each program builds to a naturally suspenseful conclusion on the floor of the competition arena. The series airs Wednesdays, July 11-25 at 8/7 p . m . CT on KET2 and Thursdays, July 12-26 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1.

" S ynchronized S wimming , " airing July 11, takes viewers below the surface of this glamorous sport to reveal the pain, sacrifice and determination required to be a champion synchronized swimmer. Graceful, sharp and visually spectacular, these dynamic routines are made only more gripping by the intensity of the fierce competition. The program follows two teams of ambitious and athletic girls -- and one very determined teenage boy -- through their training and team bonding until they meet in a spectacular display of churning water and synchronous limbs at the U.S. Open -- the climactic final event of the U.S. synchronized swimming season.

"Ferrets , " which airs July 18, offers an endearing and amusing glimpse at some of America's most playful, mischievous pets -- not to mention their distinctive owners. At the annual Ferret Buckeye Bash in Columbus, Ohio, the largest and most popular ferret show in the country, hundreds of top breeders, seasoned experts and ferret enthusiasts pamper and parade their pets in a quest for prizes and prestige.

"Hairworld , " airing July 25, captures Team USA as its members clip, comb and spray their way to the 31st HairWorld Championships in Moscow, Russia. The competition is a spectacle of rich colors and provocative glamour; 800 stylists from 50 countries compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in timed tests of styling skill. " Hairworld" follows the trainers, competitors and models from Team USA as they embark on months of rigorous training. As the competition draws closer they must fight to overcome dramatic setbacks -- a devastating flood and a shocking wrist injury -- until finally their dreams unfold strand by strand on the competition floor.

The Pursuit of Excellence is produced by Radio Pictures.