“We had to concentrate after what happened on the second day. We managed to do it, and we appeared very strong for the free combination,” confessed Anastasia Davydova after the medal ceremony. “Nevertheless, we think that the judging format of this World Trophy should follow the model of the Olympic Games and World Championships, with technical and artistic notes. That is why it is called synchronised swimming: because it combines the technical and artistic,” also stated Davydova, Olympic, World and European champion. The Russian star obviously knows that, technically, Russia is untouchable, whereas artistically other teams can beat them (as was the case for Spain).
USA team
Except the gold medal, the USA brought an improved version of the programme they had presented at the 2007 FINA World Championships in Melbourne (AUS) and impressed spectators with their successful choreography and sense of elegance. The judges also recognised this work and noted the Americans with three ‘9.9’. The silver medal was assured and even if they didn’t revalidate the victory obtained in this event in the 2006 World Trophy, the Americans had reason to be happy.
Spain was next on the list, presenting a very pleasant routine, but not as impressive as their team performance. Despite the bronze medal, stayed the consolation of getting a perfect ‘10’ from one of the judges. Moreover, the Spaniards clearly proved that they are the most serious challengers of Russia at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (CHN).
Italy was fourth, while Brazil showed a clear progression getting, with Japan, the fifth spot for the Free Combination event. Mexico and Egypt got seventh and eighth places respectively.
The last day of the FINA Synchronised Swimming World Trophy in Rio attracted more than 3,000 spectators at the Maria Lenk aquatic complex.