Synchronized swim team nets silver.

(From Mainichi Daily News)

Japan's eight-member synchronized swimming team snared silver at the Athens Olympic Games Friday, putting on a dazzling display with a samurai theme, but not quite good enough to overcome the magnificent Russians.

Japan trailed the Russians by 0.500 following the technical routine and hoped to close the gap with its Bushido themed freestyle routine, but just failed to emerge in the face of a superb performance by Russia's pool queens and had to be content with a silver medal.

The medal brought Japan's tally so far to an astounding 35 medals, 15 of which are gold.

In other Olympic news, hammer thrower silver …