Russia shine to win Glasgow 2018 free team synchro gold
There was joy at Scotstoun as Russia's synchro stars sealed gold after a brilliant performance.
Getty Images
There was excitement in the air when Russia's synchronised swimmers entered Scotstoun Sports Campus for their free team performance at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, and excitement in the pool when their breath-taking routine sealed the gold medal.
"All year we have worked for this and I feel exhausted," said their Olympic Champion Mariia Shurochkina. "Maybe (it is) because this is the end of the year and we have a break (coming) closer and closer (so) our energy levels dip."
They started with snake-like, winding head movements as they stared out into the stands before diving in, followed by a brilliant display of height and athleticism as one member of the team was thrown into the air for the first of many acrobatic highlights - enough to score 97.0333 points.
Ukraine also impressed with a ferris wheel display on the pool deck and two double somersault lifts during the routine, which helped them score 94.6000 and pick up the silver medal.
The real tension came next, as Italy scored 92.2333 to pile the pressure on Spain, who had finished the preliminary only 0.5 points ahead of the Italians. In the final they scored 92.1000 to miss out on bronze by 0.1, leaving the team in tears as they left the poolside realising they were out of the running for medals.
Italy coach Roberta Farinelli said: "In the preliminary round the girls swam badly but today they were so strong, the lifts were strong. Spain is a good team but not quite good enough today."
Spain's coach Mayuko Fujiki (JPN) remained upbeat, however: "When you get that close it can be easy to lose your focus. If we look at yesterday's routine they have made improvements. I had told the girls we should be close to Italy and the other top teams next year so really we are a year ahead of our goal."
Spanish team member Meritxell Mas Pujadas (ESP) put a positive spin on the loss saying: "Tomorrow is another day."
