Russia completed their third consecutive gold medal sweep in synchronized swimming yesterday, winning a team event marked by a Japanese competitor passing out on the pool deck.
Russia finished with a combined 99.500 points after the free routine. Spain took the silver with 98.251 points and China claimed the bronze with 97.334.
Anastasia Ermakova and Anastasia Davydova had already won gold in the duet on Wednesday and were also part of Russia’s eight-woman squad for the team event.
After Japan’s number concluded, two men in swimsuits jumped into the pool to assist Hiromi Kobayashi to the side. The other team members climbed out to await their scores, while Kobayashi clung to the pool’s edge.
As Kobayashi was lifted out of the water, she buckled to her knees. Her body and head went limp as they carried her. She was wrapped in a white sheet and rushed away on a stretcher, attended to by several volunteers and medical personnel.
Japan received a two-point penalty for touching the bottom of the pool and finished in a tie for fifth with the US, with 95.334 points each. Canada placed fourth.
It is the first time Japan have not won a medal since the team event began in 1996.
Spain began their routine while Kobayashi was still being attended to on the pool deck and the crowd remained restless when Russia dived in for the final routine.
Led by Ermakova and Davydova, the Russians appeared unaffected by the hubbub and earned a perfect score of 50.000 to go with their 49.500 from Thursday’s technical routine.
Russia entered the synchro program in a shroud of secrecy, not having competed since last year’s World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Their new routines were created behind closed doors, but the results were the same.
Performing to Life of Sea by Aliveiro, Russia began their routine with a high flip and performed their throws and kicks in complete unison, receiving eight perfect 10s.
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