China concludes synchro swimming with breakthrough

China's team pose with their silver medals during the synchronised swimming teams victory ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre August 10, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - China claimed two Olympic medals in synchronized swimming at London Olympics, underlining their emerging strength in the event which has been dominated by Russia.

Chinese synchronized swimmers grabbed a bronze in the deut event on Tuesday, and resisted challenges from Spain to add a silver in the team event on Friday. It has been the best ever achievement for Chinese synchro swimming at the Olympic Games.

In Friday afternoon's free routine, China, who was second after Thursday's technical routine ahead of Spain, consolidated their advantage with powerful lifts and jumps, scoring 97.010 points for an overall 194.010.

They edged over Spain with 0.09 point to take China's first silver Olympic medal in synchronized swimming.

Chinese swimmers, who wore sequin-spangled swimsuits with waterproof makeup, nose clip and gelatine, enthralled the audience with a performance of unmatched precision and power with a music piece of "butterfly".

"We were very confident with our techniques, and we succeeded in executing every difficult move and demonstrating graceful physical beauty in our performance today," said Jiang Wenwen, who was a member of the bronze medalists at Beijing Games.

"We picked the theme of 'butterfly' because it not only shows the art of oriental charms, but also caters for the tastes of judges from western countries," said Liu Ou, who also took a bronze in the duet event.

"Everyone knows about the butterfly effect, it starts with small element but turned into global impact. We hope to show each step of our progress to all and affect their impressions towards China and Chinese synchro swimming," she added.

China didn't give chances for another overturn by Spain in team event. Three days ago, the Chinese duo Liu Ou and Huang Xuechen, 0.1 point ahead of Spanish duo after technical routine, were dropped from second to third place by Spanish rivals in the free routine, and settled for a bronze with 0.03 point behind.