The U.S. synchronized swimming team competes in the team free at the 2015 Pan American Games on July 11, 2015 in Toronto.
TORONTO – The U.S. synchronized swimming team won the bronze medal in the free routine final today at the CIBC Aquatics Center in Toronto, claiming its second medal of the day after finishing third in the duet final.
For two-time Pan American Games medalist Mary Killman the podium finish is a step in the right direction for a young team looking to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“I think we did really well,” said Killman. “The team has been pushing really hard and minus a few things here and there, I think we pulled it together. We always, definitely have things that can be done better. Things can be higher, things can be sharper and that score can always be a little bit higher, but that’s what we’re always striving for.”
Host Canada won the gold medal with a total score of 178.1094, followed by Mexico in second place with 172.5073. The U.S. entered the final round ranked third and scored 83.4333 points to take its second podium.
The bronze-medal celebration will be short as Team USA now focuses on training for the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, beginning July 24. But for Killman, the Pan American Games are an ideal setting to gain experience on the international stage, while representing the U.S.
“I think the Pan Am Games are an amazing experience,” said Killman. “This is my second one and it’s just as amazing as the first.
“Being able to help the girls through this and have this be one of their first international meets – much less the first Pan Ams – it’s nice to see the looks on their faces and how they’re really reacting to everything. I think it went well.”
