Duet Event Kicks Off Synchro Competition at the 2004 Olympic Games
U.S. Duet Eyes the Podium

ATHENS, Greece – The 2004 Olympic Games Synchronized Swimming competition will kick off Monday, August 23 with the duet technical event. Twenty-four duets will take the stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Athens time, 12:30 p.m. eastern standard time.

Two-time Olympian Anna Kozlova (St. Petersburg, Russia) will pair with Alison Bartosik (Santa Clara, Calif.) to represent the U.S. in the duet competition. The duo, swimming together for more than two years, finished fourth at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in April. The pair also finished fourth at the World Championships and captured gold at the Pan American Games last year.

Kozlova competed in the 1992 Olympic Games for her then-home country USSR. She then competed for the U.S. in 2000 in both the duet and team competition after receiving her U.S. citizenship just 10 months before. She will again compete in both the duet and team competition this year. This will be the first Olympics for Bartosik.

“The U.S. duet team of Anna Kozlova and Alison Bartosik are perfect compliments,” stated head coach Chris Carver. “They combine experience, artistry, and stability which results in the kind of harmonious blend that is needed to be a successful pair.”

The pair will swim their technical routine to a clarinet and percussion piece, originated by John Mackey. Mackey has composed for many dance companies including works for Alvinailey.

“The music is very complex but modern, with a touch of Native American flavor,” said head coach Chris Carver.

Monday’s technical routine marks will be weighted to 50 percent and combined with 50 percent of Tuesday’s free routine scores to determine Wednesday’s final 12 routine competitors.