Synchro ready to sparkle in Shanghai
16 Jul 2011
Commonwealth medallists Jenna Randall, Olivia Allison and Lauren Smith will be leading the challenge for the British Gas GBR Synchronised Swimming Team at the World Championships.
The 11 athletes have already tasted medal success this year with bronze at the European Champions Cup something which will push them to perform on the next level in Shanghai.
Randall, who recently won bronze at the Spanish Open in the Solo event, has been a lynchpin in the development of the sport in the UK. Along with her Duet partner Allison they have stepped up their performances throughout 2011.
The seven-day competition will see athletes competing in all events including the Solo, Duet, Team and Combo.
This is the second time that National Performance Director Biz Price has sent a full contingent to a World Championships and they will be looking to continue the momentum that has seen them improve their world rankings and secure home places at the Olympic Games.
“The training camp achieved all of our goals,” Price said. “We managed to get the required intensive training in. We did four days on and one off and then four more on and it worked really well and I think the girls responded well.
“We even managed to get in a competition simulation in while we were in Ostia which was really good. Our Assistant Coach Lolli Montico is originally from Ostia so we managed to get a good audience for our run through.
“Outdoor training is great for us too and even thought the competition is indoors the outdoor training in good weather has helped put the girls in the rights mindset for this competition. They have worked hard and I think they have got a great attitude for this meet.
“We arrived in China at the beginning of the week and we have enjoyed the training sessions that we have had in the competition venue. The pool looks and is fabulous and I have been pleased to see how we are covering the pool with our propulsion in the routine work throughs.
“Now we are focusing on fine tuning and making sure that we have everything ready for competition to begin. I believe that we belong in the finals of each of the events whereas in Rome there may have been a small question mark over whether we deserved it. I think we will have a strong showing in every event now.”
