The United States leapfrogged Spain and Japan in the battle for medals behind China in the Team Free Routine at the Aquatics Centre on Tuesday. The third and final routine of the team competition - the Team Acrobatic Routine - comes tonight (Wednesday, 7 August).
What Happened
As scores were added to the team technical event held on Monday, the USA's improved score through a higher degree of difficulty than Spain and Japan, as well as China, gave them a much-needed boost from their fourth-place finish in the technical event.
“We needed to have this clean sweep today to be able to go into tomorrow and perform and enjoy the swim without the stress and pressure," USA's Anita Alvarez said. So, seeing that full credit, we just knew."
France continued to rise to the occasion, performing in front of a home crowd with masks on the back of their heads, making for confusing viewing for judges and spectators alike. “This was a ballet about women, and we wanted to have 16 in the water, not just eight, to represent even more women,” France coach Julie Fabre said.
For Tuesday's artistic swimming results, click here
Quote of the Day
"I'm absolutely thrilled. I had a fun memory today on my phone with a pros and cons list of should I come back or should I not come back. It was fun bringing back memories and the rule change was definitely a huge pro."
- Jacqueline Simoneau (CAN) on returning to the sport after initially retiring after Tokyo 2020.
Stat of the Day
Canada's degree of difficulty score of 72.65 was the highest in the Team Free Routine on Tuesday. Mexico's score was next highest, at 69.25.
Click here for artistic swimming stats and facts
What Happens Next?
Artistic swimming continues with the first medal event at Paris 2024 in the team acrobatic routine on Wednesday, where the battle for silver and bronze medals behind a dominant China commences.
For more artistic swimming news and athlete profiles, click here