Jan. 18, 2003

Anna Kozlova and Alison Bartosik earned their tickets to Athens on Saturday, winning the duet competition at the 2003 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Synchronized Swimming to become the first two Olympians named to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team.

Kozlova and Bartosik scored a 96.417 to win the event by nearly three points over the unaffiliated duo of Sara Lowe of Desoto, Texas and Stephanie Nesbitt of Riverside, Calif. at 93.501.

Kozlova, of St. Petersburg, Russia, and Bartosik, of Flagstaff, Ariz. were considered the early favorite for the duet Olympic bid after placing fourth at the 2002 FINA World Cup in Zurich in September.

"Going to the Olympics is an equally amazing and scary experience. I can't wait," said Kozlova, 30, a two-time Olympian who competed for the Unified Russian States in 1992 and the USA in 2000. The 2004 Olympic Games will be the first for Bartosik, 20, who has competed with Kozlova since November of 2001.

"Anna has taught me a lot over the past two years about competing internationally, and I look forward to learning a lot more as we build toward Athens," Bartosik said.

By winning the duet event, the pair will automatically become part of the nine athletes named to represent the United States in the team competition in Athens. All Trials results are pending U.S. Olympic Committee approval. The Trials are exactly 573 days before the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games. The early date is necessary to prepare the team to compete in three major international events prior to the Games - the 2003 FINA World Championships, 2003 Pan American Games, and 2004 Olympic Qualifying Open. The pair will now prepare for the 2003 Japan Open, April 3-5 in Japan, and then for the 2003 U.S. Nationals, April 23-26 in Long Island, N.Y. The next major international meet for the duo is the 2003 World Championships, July 13-17 in Barcelona, Spain.

Competition continues Sunday and Monday with the 2003 U.S. National Team I and II Trials, and the 2003 U.S. Junior National Team Trials. For more information, contact Brian Eaton, USSS Media Relations Director, at 317-414-7962.

2003 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Synchronized Swimming Duet Final Results
1, Alison Bartosik, Anna Kozlova, Santa Clara, 96.417. 2, Sara Lowe, Stephanie Nesbitt, Unaffiliated, 93.501. 3, Janet Culp, Jennie Culp, Santa Clara, 89.501. 4, Annabelle Orme, Kim Probst, Walnut Creek, 88.584. 5, Rachel Rife, Rebekah Rife, Walnut Creek, 84.584. 6, Lacey Brooten, Sally Winchester, Univ. of Washington, 83.001.