Synchronized Swimming Team Event: Perfect 50 secures double gold for Russia

Russia's Synchronized Swimming team performs. (Photo credit: Xinhua)

(BEIJING, August 23) -- Russia claimed gold in the Synchronized Swimming Team Event after they scored a perfect 50 points in Free Routine at the National Aquatics Center on August 23.

They won gold in both the Duet and the Team Event for the third Olympic Games in a row, underscoring their reputation as the world's best synchronized swimming team.

With a convincing 0.583 lead in Technical Routine over second-placed Spain, Russia still performed with the mechanical precision and raw power for which they are renowned. Their throws, lifts and legwork were beyond the physical capabilities of any other team and they carried them out with perfect synchronization.

Performing last, their perfect 50.000 gave them a remarkable total of 99.500, sparking rapturous applause from the huge Russian contingent in the Water Cube.

Spain claimed another silver to add to that won by Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes in the Duet on August 20. While never challenging Russia, Spain's African-inspired Free Routine delivered both grace and strength and allowed them to hold off the challenge of China. Their score of 49.334 gave them a combined score of 98.251.

Spurred on by the fourth-place finish of Duet Jiang Tingting and Jiang Wenwen in Duet competition on August 20, China came out firing in the Free Routine with a back flip entry and a massive throw in the opening passage. A number of powerful oriental-inspired moves combined with graceful swimming were rewarded with 48.750. Their total of 97.334 secured the bronze - China's first Olympic Synchronized Swimming medal.

Canada and the United States earned equal points in Team Event Technical Routine on August 22, but Canada's Free Routine was more energetic from the outset and they scored 48.084 in the Free Routine for a total of 95.668, taking fourth position. The US team, who suffered from a number of formation errors, scored 47.750 for a total of 95.334, finishing fifth.

Japan performed a routine highlighted by fast-paced legwork and smooth transitions. But their day ended on a sour note when Kobayashi Hiromi had to be helped from the water after suffering breathing difficulties at the end of the routine. Japan's score of 47.167 in the Free Routine and a combined total of 95.334 left them in fifth, the same ranking with as the US team.