And they had reasons to be uncomfortable. With Spain still to compete, the two Russians came to the spectators stand to watch the performance of Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes. Normally swimming with Paola Tirados, Mengual – a star in her country – also did a great routine with Andrea, normally used in the team programmes. With great rhythm in the water, the Spaniards got two ‘9.9’ from the judges, but then only one ‘9.8’ and two ‘9.7’. This small difference allocated the silver medal to Mengual and Fuentes in a remarkable outcome that confirms the status of Spain as the second world power in synchronised swimming hierarchy. After being sure that the gold was for them, Ermakova and Davydova left their seats in the stands – visibly more relaxed…

Besides this exciting duel – Russia and Spain were clearly superior -, the fight for the bronze medal occurred between Japan and the USA. Normally, the Asian duet is superior, but in Rio they changed swimmers: instead of the now traditional Emiko Suzuki and Saho Harada, Maya and Saya Kimura competed. The modification was visible and the level of the two Kimura was not as good as their compatriots – who did not travel to Brazil. Getting marks ranging from 9.4 to 9.6, Japan got a total of 95.000, while the USA (displaying the confirmed Christina Jones and Andrea Nott) were better – with marks from 9.5 to 9.9 for a total of 96.666. At the 2007 FINA World Championships, the Americans had been fifth in the duet free final, behind Russia, Spain, Japan and China (in that order). For Jones and Nott, this was another success in the Maria Lenk pool, just three months after the title at the Pan-American Games, also held in Rio.


Christina Jones and Andrea Nott (USA)

China and Canada did not compete in Rio, which allowed Italy to take the fifth spot in the duet event, also by presenting a new pair – this time Manila Flamini and Federica Tommasi, who received 93.000. While in Australia, at the FINA World Championships, Beatrice Adelizzi and Giulia Lapi had scored 93.166 for the seventh position (behind the Chinese and Canadians).

Brazil, naturally applauded enthusiastically by the 2,500 spectators present at the Maria Lenk aquatic complex, was sixth with 91.000, while Mexico and Egypt closed the overall ranking – taking seventh and eighth respectively.

Before the first day of competition, the World Trophy opening ceremony was attended by FINA Honorary Treasurer Dr. Julio Maglione and FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu.