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Synchronized swimmers practice on island before Athens Olympics
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Posted on Aug 10 2004
The Korean synchronized swimming duet practiced at the Kan Pacific pool in Marpi for two weeks this August before heading to Athens for the Olympic Games.
Synchronized swimming has been a medal sport since 1984 and is one of only three Olympic events open solely to women. Sometimes described as “water ballet,” the sport requires an extraordinary combination of strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and special breathing techniques. Korea placed 11th in the synchronized swimming duet at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Even before the arrival of the Korean team, the Babauta administration recognized the potential for hosting Olympic training here. Working together with the administration of Gov. Felix Camacho of Guam, Gov. Juan N. Babauta successfully applied for a technical assistance grant of $53,000 from the Office of Insular Affairs to promote the Marianas as a training site, when the next summer Olympics are held in Beijing.
In addition to pool facilities, Saipan offers a world-class quarter-mile track, baseball fields, and protected ocean waters—all of which can be used for training Olympic teams.
“We wish the best of luck to our Korean guests, who compete on Aug. 23rd and 24th along with the 23 other national teams who qualified for the synchronized swimming duet event at the Athens Olympics,” a statement from the Governor’s Office said.
