Artistic swimming boys come together for inspirational development day

Boys from across the country gathered at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre in Bristol on Saturday 17 January for a dedicated artistic swimming development day.

The day brought together male athletes of all ages and abilities for a unique, high‑quality training experience. The day allowed the boys to work closely with European champion Ranjuo Tomblin and national coach Paola Basso, who leads the boys’ and mixed duet programmes.

Skill‑building with world‑class guidance

The morning began with stretching and a dance‑based session delivered by the centre’s dance coach, helping the boys to explore musicality, control and get warmed up before they entered the pool.

Once in the water, Ranjuo introduced a variety of techniques he had recently learned while training with legendary artistic swimmer Bill May in the United States before the Christmas break. The boys were introduced to new movement patterns, different ways of transitioning, and more fluid techniques in the water, helping them broaden their understanding of what is possible in artistic swimming.

Swim England Artistic Swimming Manager Karen Thorpe explained how valuable this was, saying:
“Ranjuo showed the boys how to move the body differently in the water, giving them new movement techniques rather than the usual repertoire they might normally do in their clubs.”

Coaches gaining insight alongside athletes

Coaches from clubs across the country observed and took part throughout the day. Paola took time to explain the unique characteristics of boys’ and mixed duet training, including how strength application, artistic intention and choreography choices differ from routines designed for female duets. This gave coaches a deeper understanding of how to support the development of male artistic swimmers as the pathway for boys continues to grow.

Karen highlighted the importance of this shared learning, noting: “It was really useful for coaches to understand the nuances of boys’ training and how mixed duet work differs from female duets. It gives them tools they can take straight back to their clubs.”

Exploring the creativity of mixed duet work

The boys also had the chance to see connection‑based mixed duet movements demonstrated by Ranjuo Tomblin and Isabelle Thorpe, highlighting the distinctive partnering style, contrasting themes and alternative lines that are characteristic of mixed duets.

Seeing these elements performed at senior international level helped the boys understand how mixed duet choreography differs from female duet work.

Inspirational performances from GB athletes

In the afternoon, members of the Great Britain world class and senior programme delivered a series of performances that captivated the young swimmers. The GB team showcased multiple of their routines, including a duet from 2024 Olympic silver medallists Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe, a mixed duet from Isabelle and Ranjuo and finally a solo performed by Ranjuo.

The boys sat in the front row, watching one of the world’s leading male artistic swimmers up close. Seeing a European champion perform with such control, strength and confidence was inspiring and gave them a clear example of the standards and skills they can aim for in their own development.

Boys come together from across the country

Boys travelled from across the country to take part in the day, making the event a rare and valuable opportunity for male artistic swimmers to train together and connect with others who share their passion for the sport. Karen reflected on how positive it was to see such wide national representation and how much the boys enjoyed the opportunity to learn directly from Ranjuo and Paola.