The team of Ukraine won the two gold medals at stake in the first day of the initial leg of the 2020 FINA Artistic Swimming World Series, taking place in Paris (FRA) from March 6-8. In both the Duet Technical and Duet Free final, the Ukrainian stars displayed their class, leaving on the two occasions their main contenders at bay – France earned silver, and the United States had to content with the bronze.

In the Technical routine, Marta Fiedina and Anastasiya Savchuk impressed the judges with a consistent presentation, getting a total of 90.8721 points. Despite the support of the local fans in the Georges Vallerey swimming pool, the team of France, composed by twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Tremble concluded their routine with 85.7933, thus getting the silver medal. Amassing 84.5879 points, the US duet formed by Anita Alvarez/Lindi Schroeder was the third best of the day, slightly in front of Netherlands’ sisters Bregje and Noortje de Brouwer, fourth in 84.0639. 22 duets took part in this final.


Photo by FFN/P. Pongenty

After this first event, the French duo was particularly happy with the outcome. “We managed to have the score we anticipated in this final, so that’s quite encouraging. It’s nice to swim at home, in front of our fans. It’s pleasant and it’s always good for the remaining of the competition”, considered Charlotte.  

“The feedback from the coaches and from [Virginie] Dedieu [former world champion] were good. It was important for us to start in a strong way. All the finals are ‘connected’, so if the initial dynamics is successful, the upcoming days can also bring good results”, added Laura. 

In the Free final, the scenario was not much different, with Fiedina and Savchuk getting the gold in 92.8667. The French duet replicated its silver performance, this time in 87.8667, while the US pair earned bronze in 86.4667. 21 nations contested the final in Paris.

The first leg of the World Series will proceed this Saturday with five finals: Mixed Duet Technical, Solo Free, Solo Technical, Mixed Duet Free and Team Technical.