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US Synchronized Swimming 2008 Olympic Team Roster

USA Synchronized Swimmers for the Beijing Olympics

From USA Synchronized Swimming, for About.com

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Team USA is on the rise after solidifying Olympic berths by claiming gold medals in both the duet and team events at the 2007 Pan American Games. This youthful team also caused some shakeup on the medal stand and shed new light on the international scene at the 2006 FINA World Trophy Cup. The U.S. dazzled the judges with its free combination performance and knocked off top-ranked Russia. This marked the first time any country had defeated the Russians in the team or combo events since the 1996 Olympic Games.

The United States also proved it belonged on the podium by securing a bronze medal at the 2007 FINA World Aquatic Championships and a silver and two bronze medals from the 2007 FINA World Trophy Cup. The U.S. has made strides by working with a variety of experts in various areas to improve upon fitness levels and technique, as well as to continue to produce innovative and mind-blowing choreography. Some of the various experts that have been used in Team USA’s training include gymnasts, circus performers, contortionists, acrobatics and lift experts, cheerleading coaches, mimes, Pilates instructors and Cirque du Soleil performers. With an average age of 22.4 years old, Team USA will look to Co-Captains Kate Hooven and Kim Probst for guidance. Probst boasts 20 years of experience in the sport and 10 National Team appointments, while Hooven adds eight National Team appointments in her 12 years of participation in the sport.

Rising star Christina Jones and partner Andrea Nott will represent the United States in the duet competition. The pair will look to secure a spot on the medal stand after winning a bronze medal at the 2007 FINA World Trophy Cup and striking gold at the Pan American Games. Nott served as the alternate to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team and hopes her prior Olympic experience will provide an edge in Beijing.

Leading the way for the United States is Head Coach Tammy McGregor, a 1996 gold medalist and 2000 Olympian, and Head Choreographer Stephan Miermont, a former French National Champion. McGregor brings almost 10 years of national and international coaching experience with both the Junior and Senior National Teams, while Miermont has both performed in and served as a choreographer for Cirque du Soleil’s “O” Show.