Christina Jones (2008 Synchronized Swimming Hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

14 Jun 2008 03:26 PM

Welcome to our Focus on the Olympics articles that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing. Christina made her first national team at the age of 14, and had competed in five international events by the time she was 17.

Meet Christina Jones

As a young child, Christina tried every sport that she could think of. She tried ice skating, she tried gymnastics and soccer, swimming and nearly every type of dance. It wasn't until her mother took her to a Santa Clara Aquamaids Synchronized Swimming show when she was six that she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

If Christina could be anyone, she would be a pro football player. She believes it would be incredible to play the sport you love for millions of dollars. Her career goal is to become a sports physical therapist or a sports psychologist. Christina has also competed in soccer, gymnastics, ice skating and swimming. However, she gave up gymnastics because she felt her height put her at a disadvantage.

Why Root for Her?

Christina and teammate Andrea Nott secured their trip to Beijing in the duet event earning the gold medal in the duet portion of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prior to the Pan Am Games, Christina and Nott made a splash on the international scene by grabbing a bronze medal in the second annual 2007 FINA World Trophy Cup. The pair posted a score of 96.666 and showed they were improving after taking home fourth place the year before in the inaugural event.

Christina is also a member of the U.S. National Team that was named in April. The team solidified its Olympic Games berth in July by earning gold medals in the team event at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Performance Record

• 2007 FINA World Championships - Solo Tech 4th, Solo Free 5th, Duet Tech 5th, Duet Free 5th, Combo 3rd, Team Free 5th
• 2006 U.S. National Championships - Solo 1st, Duet, 2nd; Team 1st
• 2006 FINA World Cup - Solo 4th, Duet 4th, Team 4th
• 2006 U.S. Synchronized Swimming Athlete of the Year

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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