Synchronized swimmers hope for hometown success in Brazil

Brazil's synchronised swimmers Maria Eduarda Miccuci (R) and Luisa Borges perform during a photo session at the Rio Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

As a team, Brazil's synchronized swimmers lack the pedigree of nations like Russia, which has long dominated the sport, or China, Spain and the Ukraine, which are also expected to make strong showings in Rio.

But at last year's World Aquatic Championships in Russia, the Brazil squad made it to the final 12-team round, an accomplishment it hopes to repeat at the Rio Games.

Miccuci also hopes to make the finals of the smaller duet competition with her doubles partner, 20-year-old Luisa Borges, who is also from Rio.

Both women, who train at swimming facilities operated by local soccer team Fluminense, are excited to make their Olympic debuts at home. "The Olympics are the dream of any athlete, but to compete here makes it all the more inspiring," Miccuci said.