Team USA's Anita Alvarez (Kenmore, N.Y.) and Mariya Koroleva (Concord, Calif.) began their quest for a spot at this summer's Olympic Games by finishing seventh in duet tech Wednesday at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Rio de Janeiro.
Alvarez and Koroleva, a 2012 Olympian, scored 82.3821 points in the first event of the qualifier to place seventh out of 27 duets. Spain's Ona Carbonell and Gemma Mengual led the way with 89.1816 points, followed by duets from Italy (85.9000) and France (84.5298).
"They had a good swim and we have received positive feedback. The synchronization has improved and the choreography is good and flows well," USA Synchro Executive Director
Myriam Glez said. "The coaches and judges have noticed that our athletes have nice extension and are light in the water. We must continue to work on the height and technical accuracy of the elements. They travelled well around the pool and did not hold back. We are happy and are getting ready for tomorrow's free routine, which is their strength."
The tournament, held at Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre, includes 133 athletes representing 30 national federations trying to guarantee their quota place in team and duet. Eight teams and 24 duets will compete in Rio next August. The U.S. will not compete in the team event.
Alvarez and Koroleva will next compete in the first round of the duet free Thursday at 9:15 a.m. EST. The duet free second round is Sunday at 1 p.m. All events are broadcast live on FINA's YouTube channel.
The U.S. duo most recently won bronze medals at the German Open and French Open.
The 2016 Olympic Games will run from Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro.
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