U.S. Team Third at Olympic Qualification Tournament

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The U.S. Team captured third at the 2004 Olympic Qualification Tournament for Synchronized Swimming Saturday in Athens, Greece. The team posted a free routine score of 97.000 and total composite 96.750 to earn a berth to the Olympic Games in August. Tied with Spain after the technical routine swim, the U.S. edged the Spanish team by 0.666 in the free routine swim, allowing for the bronze finish.

For the second day in a row, the Russians were near perfection scoring a 99.167 in the free routine posting a composite 99.084 to capture top honors. Japan placed second with a free routine score of 98.167 and a total composite 97.918. Swimming for the U.S. was Alison Bartosik, Erin Dobratz, Becky Jasontek, Anna Kozlova, Sara Lowe, Lauren McFall, Stephanie Nesbitt, and Kendra Zanotto.

Thursday’s technical routine marks were weighted to 50 percent and combined with 50 percent of today’s free routine scores to determine the final composite scores.

Round 2 for those still to qualify will take place Sunday in both the duet and team events. This will determine the final 20 duets and four teams to qualify for the Olympic Games in August.

The top eight teams and 24 duets from the tournament advance to the 2004 Olympic Games in August.

Team Final Composite Standings
1. Russia, 99.084. 2. Japan, 97.918. 3. United States, 96.750. 4. Spain, 96.417. 5. Canada, 94.834. 6. China, 93.918. 7. Italy, 93.834. 8. France, 93.250.

Team Free Routine
1. Russia, 99.167. 2. Japan, 98.167. 3. United States, 97.000. 4. Spain, 96.334. 5. Canada, 95.167. 6T. China, 94.167. 6T. Italy, 94.167. 8. France, 93.500.