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Brazil's synchronized swimming team was photographed recently during a training session in Rio de Janeiro. "It is one of the toughest sports there is,” said Maria Eduarda Miccuci, who has been training with Luisa Borges for 8 years. The squad hopes for hometown success against the domination of nations like Russia, China and Spain. The artistic sport, sometimes known as ‘water ballet’, was first included at the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles.

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In a country best known for soccer and volleyball, the eight-member squad hopes that a strong performance can help raise the profile of synchronized swimming and get more Brazilians interested.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Brazil's Lara Teixeira poses for a photograph after a training session.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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As a team, Brazil's synchronized swimmers lack the pedigree of nations like Russia, which has long dominated the sport, or China, Spain and the Ukraine, which are also expected to make strong showings in Rio.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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At last year's World Aquatic Championships in Russia, the Brazil squad made it to the final 12-team round, an accomplishment it hopes to repeat at the Rio Games.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Brazil's Maria Eduarda Miccuci (R) and Luisa Borges. Six days a week, Maria, the 21-year-old and her teammates undergo weight, stretching and cardiovascular regimens, on top of swimming and choreography, for eight hours a day.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Besides heavy makeup that will not wash off in the pool, the athletes baste their hair with the edible powder and warm water to affix their hairdos.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Maria Eduarda Miccuci (R) and Luisa Borges. "It is one of the toughest sports there is," said Maria Eduarda Miccuci.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Brazil's synchronized swimming team performs during a training session.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Brazil's synchronized swimmer Maria Eduarda Miccuci uses her makeup at a training session. "The Olympics are the dream of any athlete, but to compete here makes it all the more inspiring," Miccuci said.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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Brazil's synchronized swimmers Luisa Borges (R) and Maria Eduarda Miccuci. Miccuci also hopes to make the finals of the smaller duet competition with her doubles partner, 20-year-old Luisa Borges, who is also from Rio.Pilar Olivares/Reuters

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