Mariya Koroleva: The Pictures You Need To See

The always fun synchronized swimming events begin today at the Rio Olympics, beginning with a preliminary round for duets doing a free routine. That event, starting at 10:00 am EST, can be live streamed with ease for anyone with NBC sports at this site. The US did not qualify for any team events, but they do have one duo in competition for the duet events. The two Americans that will be competing are Anita Alvarez and her partner, Mariya Koroleva. Unlike Alvarez, Koroleva has participated in Olympic events in the past, and is looking to improve upon what she accomplished in 2012. Originally born in Russia, Koroleva has had an incredibly impressive swimming career, dating back even before her first Olympics to her college career. She has made a marked, notable improvement in many competitive events, and she’ll need even more improvement when facing stiff international competition at the Olympics. Time will tell if she and Alvarez can persevere and leave Rio with a medal. (Getty)

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