BRITISH SYNCHRO PAIR BEGIN OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN
Britain's Jenna Randall and Olivia Allison began their journey
to qualify for the synchronised swimming duet event at the
Beijing today.
The 2008 Olympic Games Synchronised Swimming Qualification
Tournament at the National Aquatics Centre will see the world's
leading nations descend on Beijing to book their place at
the Olympics.
The Olympic duet qualification rules are somewhat complicated
due to the large number of teams involved.
The eight countries and regions that have qualified for the
team event will automatically be entered for the Olympic duet
event. The remaining 16 pairs will comprise the top-ranked
pair at the continental championships or continental games
and the best-ranked pairs at this tournament, excluding those
who have already earned Olympic berths.
With 32 pairs vying for more than ten duet tickets, including
World medallists Spain and Canada and World finalists Ukraine
and Greece, the overall level of the tournament is going to
be high.
Randall and Allison took to the pool today in the Duet Technical
routine and currently lie in 15th place after the first round
with a score of 86.166.
After competing in the Duet Free routine on Friday (18 April),
50% of both marks will be taken and combine to give them their
final score and placing.
Currently, a number of countries who have already booked
their place are ranked above them and if Randall and Allison
carry on in the form they are in they have an extremely strong
chance of becoming Britain's first synchronised swimming entry
at an Olympics since 1992.
British Synchronised Swimming National Performance Director,
Biz Price was happy with how the first stage has gone for
the duet.
"I'm really pleased with how the girls have performed
today. They were a little shaky during their practice but
they were settled as they went in to compete," said Price.
"With any technical routine, you will be punished harshly
if your balance is slightly out or your vertical line drops,
so it was important that Jenna and Olivia were able to control
this before they went into the water."
With the first round out of the way, Britain's chances are
promising.
"Everything is looking good for us," said Price.
"A number of duets will already have secured their place
and with the team events still to come there will be others
who make the grade, so our chances of making it are strong."
Britain's progress under Price has been remarkable and performances
have improved since their outing at the European Championships
last month.
"Many of the judges out here in Beijing have commented
on the improvement the girls have made since the European
Championships just three weeks ago, so the future is very
promising," said Price.
The results of the duet competition on Friday will determine
which teams will be required to swim a second Free routine
on Sunday, April 20 to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games
in August.
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