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Kenmore native wins gold in possible preview of Olympics

Team USA

Could it be a preview of what is to come in Rio? The U.S. synchronized swimming duet of Kenmore native Anita Alvarez and Mariya Koroleva found itself on the podium once again Friday - and this time it was on the top step.

Alvarez and Koroleva won gold at the China Open in the duet free competition with a score of 86.76. The Brazilian team scored 85.70 to earn silver, while Malaysia took bronze with 77.06. Team USA also won a silver medal Thursday in the duet tech.

Alvarez and Koroleva have now raked in four international medals this year, including bronze medals at the German Open and French Open. This marked their first gold medal together since pairing up in 2015.

The international success is a good sign for the duo, who represent the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero. Preliminary round is Monday morning. Alvarez and Koroleva qualified for the Games in early March by finishing seventh at the Rio qualifying event.