Preparing in Athens

ATHENS, Greece - With less than a week to go, the U.S. Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team continues to prepare for competition. Practices are in the polishing stages for both the duet and team.

“Practice goes back and forth from day to day,” said head coach Chris Carver. “It’s a balancing act between bringing both programs to the forefront at the right time and keeping the duet in the mix too. They have the energy to swim really well. It’s a matter of having controlled energy when the moment presents itself.”

Most of the preparations have come from atop a hill with mountains in the background overlooking the City at the American College of Greece in Athens, a home away from home for many of the U.S. teams. Every couple of days, the team travels to the Olympic venue, where they captured the bronze in April at the Olympic Qualifyer, for scheduled music time. But most of their time is spent in their own little world at the College.

“The College is where many American athletes train,” said Stephanie Nesbitt. “We are very protected from everything around us. This helps us to focus on what we are doing without outside distractions.”

“It is really cool that everyone is there,” added Sara Lowe. “We know many of the athletes from the training center (in Colorado Springs) which is great. It is very relaxing and calm.”

Amongst the hard work, the team has found time for other things including attending the men’s gymnastics team prelims, the flag raising ceremony for the U.S. delegation at the Athlete Village as well as the Opening Ceremonies last Friday evening. The Opening Ceremonies was an amazing experience for all including three-time Olympian Anna Kozlova.

“This is only my second Olympics to walk in the ceremony,” said Kozlova. “The Greeks did a great job. It was incredibly beautiful. It meant a lot to be with my teammates since this will be my last Olympics.”

Others felt a rush as well, as they walked into the stadium with the rest of the U.S. delegation.

“It’s impossible to describe,” said Kendra Zanotto. “It was so loud that it was quiet. We were so close to each other and really excited that we felt like there was no one else there.

“There were a lot of American flags all around the stadium,” continued Zanotto. “As we walked around, everyone would wave and we would wave back. It was so exciting.”

Now with the Ceremonies behind them, the duet and team are focusing on the task at hand … winning a medal. The color is yet to be determined, but the team is sure to be at its best.

“My favorite quote is ‘reach for the moon because even if you miss, you will still be among the stars’,” said team captain Lauren McFall. “It would be silly to come to a competition and not work to be the best, and that is what we do everyday. We work to be the best.”

Final destination … stay tuned.