GB make their mark in Masters Tech Solo at London 2016

The synchronised swimming events at the European Masters Aquatics Championships kicked off with the Masters Tech Solo at London 2016 yesterday.

There were a number great performances for GB Masters synchronised swimmers, including one from internationally renowned veteran, Jeanne Ansley, who is both a synchronised swimmer and an active coach at the City of Leeds Synchronised Swimming Club.

The Masters Tech Solo involves a swimmer performing a routine which covers certain required elements.

While the routine is choreographed to music, it must contain all of the required elements in a particular order and is used usually at senior meets to replace the figures event.

Four medals for British synchronised swimmers

Ansley was the only competitor in the 70-79 Years age group, but in true form she gave it her all, scoring 49.3333 for the only first place finish of the evening.

Zoe Cooper of Walsall SSC had the toughest group of the day, with little more than two points between second and fifth place in the 30-39 Years age group.

Cooper put in a great performance though, and managed to clinch a second place finish, beaten only by France’s Francesca Filatondi.

The next performance came from Susan Innes of Out to Swim (60-69 Years), who came up against two French rivals in a close battle for podium places.

There was less than four points between first and third place, and Innes was less than a point away from a second place finish, scoring 56.3334, behind her French counterparts.

Rushmoor SSC’s Andrea Holland returned to the pool especially for the European Masters Championships, and also placed third in her age group, the 50-59 yrs.

Her performance was well executed and she finished with 60.5000. Andrea will return in the duet, with partner Carolyn Wilson.