Waipahu, Hawaii (July 18, 2007) – The 2007 U.S. Open Synchronized Swimming Championships got under way last weekend at the Central Oahu Regional Park Pool. The U.S. Junior National Team as well as representatives from several other countries are competing for titles in the solo, duet, trio and team events in the Junior and Senior Divisions.

Junior semifinal competition wrapped up yesterday determining the top 12 competitors who advanced to Wednesday’s finals. Canada leads the way with a top finish in the preliminary team event while the PR of China and the United States followed. Canada also produced the top placings in the solo (Chloe Isaac) and duet (Camille Bowness, Marie-Lou Morin) events. The Walnut Creek Aquanuts hold the top spot in the trio (Alexandra Bollaidlaw, Renae DiBartolomeo, Kellie Stump) leading into finals.

The elite international competition attracted more than 200 of the nation’s top synchronized swimmers as well as swimmers from Canada, PR of China and Malaysia. The 2007 U.S. Junior National Team is also thrown into the mix of top competition in the Junior Division. The Junior National Team was selected in May and conducted training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Members of the Junior National Team include Madison Crocker (Weston, Conn.), Katherine Green (Indianapolis, Ind.), Maria Koroleva (Walnut Creek, Calif.), Anna Nelson (Stillwater, Minn.), Javeneh Nikbakht (San Jose, Calif.), Nadia Rais (San Jose, Calif.), Corinne Smith (Ridgefield, Conn.), Kenyon Smith (Boulder, Colo.) and Kimiko Urata (Juneau, Alaska).

The senior portion of the event will get underway on Thursday with finals slated for Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. There will be a $10.00 admission fee for adults. Senior citizens and youth will be charged $5. Kids ages five and under are free.

F ollowing is a schedule of events. For complete results, please check www.usasynchro.org. For more information, contact Taylor Payne at taylor@usasynchro.org or Stephanie Crocker onsite at (317) 507-3410.

Click Here for the 2007 U.S. Open Championship Page