Jan. 24, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Three former Ohio State synchronized swimmers have earned spots on the 2003 United States Olympic Trials Team. Gina Pietras (1994-97), Becky Jasontek (1994-97) and Mary Hofer (1999-2002) were named to the squad this week and will have the opportunity to compete for the United States National Team that will participate in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Athens, Greece.

The squad of 13, also known as the U.S. National Team I, will regroup in March at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for further evaluation. In May, the group will be cut from 13 to a delegation size of 10 for the World Championships, and will once again downsize to nine in May of 2004 for the Olympic Games.

The trials process began at the 2002 U.S. Nationals and progresses over four phases throughout the year. The athletes are tested in eight technical elements, then evaluated by 13 judges during each of four pre-determined routine swims. All scores throughout the trials process are confidential until teams are announced.

Current Buckeyes Victoria Bowen (Sr./Plano, Texas), Suzanna Hyatt (Sr./Indianapolis, Ind.) and Lindsay Newbill (So./Laguana Hills, Calif.) were three of 12 members named to the 2003 U.S. National Team II. The squad will compete at the 2003 United Airlines Open July 15-19 in Federal Way, Wash.