May 26, 2009
World Championships PageColumbus, Ohio - Stanford synchronized swimming will compete on the world stage later this summer with the World Synchronized Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy. The recently completed final phase of the U.S. team trials saw three Stanford athletes qualify to represent their country in Rome.
Debbie Chen, Maria Koroleva and Olivia Morgan each were named to the 12-person team that will compete for the United States. Each of the trio were key contributors for Stanford this season on the way to a runner-up finish at the National Collegiate Synchro Championships.
Corinne Smith also competed in the final phase of the U.S. team trials, but was not selected as one of the 12 members of the team. She had advanced until 16 athletes were left to compete for the final 12 spots.
In addition to the United States team members, Gayle Lee will compete for her native Singapore. Lee will compete as a soloist for Singapore and will be coached by Stanford assistant coach Alison Bartosik, who will accompany Lee to Rome.
Stanford head coach Heather Olson will not travel to Rome, but will be providing color commentary from Los Angeles. Olson also provided commentary during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing for NBC.
The World Championships take place July 14-25 as part of the FINA World Aquatics Championships, which also include swimming, diving, water polo and open-water swimming.