Switzerland's synchronised divers have won the least unexpected Olympic diploma of the Sydney Games. Jacqueline Schneider and Catherine Maliev-Aviolat were among eight pairs entered in the competition, with diplomas going to all those taking part.

Schneider and Maliev-Aviolat had surprised many within the sport by even qualifying for the Games. In the final itself they struggled to impose themselves. After reaching sixth place following their first dive, the two women finished in last position.

Russia's Vera Ilina and Loulia Pakhalina took the gold medal, adding it to the World Cup win which they clinched in Sydney earlier this year. The Chinese and Ukrainian teams took the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Saturday's final was probably the last time that Schneider and Maliev-Aviolat will compete as a pair. Maliev-Aviolat has already announced her plans to retire from professional sport, although Schneider says she will continue to compete in individual diving events.

swissinfo with agencies

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