Russians Win Synchro Gold

Russia won the team synchronized swimming finals Saturday, giving the country its thrid straight sweep of the synchronized swimming events. The Russians scored 99.500 points, finishing ahead of Spain (98.251) and China (97.334). The United States team -- whose choreographer helped put together Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas -- tied for fifth with Japan at 95.334.

China's bronze was its first medal in the event, which made its Olympic debut in 1984.

One of the Japanese competitors passed out after the event, but has made a full recovery.

Highlights from the AP report:

After Japan's number concluded, two men in swimsuits jumped into the pool to assist Hiromi Kobayashi to the side of the pool. The other team members climbed out to await their scores, while Kobayashi clung to the pool's edge.

Kobayashi was lifted out by the two men in swimsuits and she buckled to her knees. Her body and head went limp as they carried her. She was wrapped in a white sheet and rushed away on a stretcher, attended to by several volunteers and medical personnel.

Japanese team officials said Kobayashi made a complete recovery.

"What happened to her was too much breathing, apparently," said team spokesman Hiroshi Takeuchi. "This kind of thing has happened before. She is a very nervous athlete. She is back to consciousness. She is sitting up on the bed." ...

Russia entered the synchro program in a shroud of secrecy, not having competed since last year's World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Their new routines were created behind closed doors, but the results were the same.

Performing to "Life of Sea" by Aliveiro, Russia began its routine with a high flip and performed its throws and kicks in complete unison, receiving eight perfect 10s. ...

The Americans unfurled a banner that read "Thank you, China!" in both Chinese and English when the team was introduced before the event.

With a routine called "The Rebirth of Christ," the U.S. swimmers performed to a mix of eclectic music and displayed some never-before-seen moves, most notably a foot in the face gesture.

"It changes all the way throughout and we even have a hard metal section," American team member Annabelle Orme said. "It's cool, because I don't think anyone has ever swam to metal before."

By Tracee Hamilton  |  August 23, 2008; 4:17 AM ET  | Category:  Synchronized Swimming
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