Synchro Talent squads continue international preparation at display event

The Swim England Synchro Talent squads continued their preparation for this summer’s major championships with a series of exhibitions in Aldershot last weekend.

Swimmers from the training, age group and development squads performed 10 routines in total in front of fans, friends and families.

After a week of intense training, the teams did a full competitive warm-up before performing team, solo and duet routines.

The senior and junior training squads are fine-tuning their routines for this summer’s World Championships and European Junior Championships respectively.

Meanwhile, the British age group squad will compete in this weekend’s Primorje Cup in Croatia.

“The event was a good practice for us swimming in front of people,” said junior team captain Isabelle Thorpe.

“The audience was really positive and inspired us to do our best.

“Although not everything in the team routine went according to plan, it highlighted what we need to work on before we travel to Serbia in a couple of weeks time.”

Junior coach Paola Basso added: “The event was received very well.

“We were able to perform under the pressure of a competition. The athletes did well as normally you would have more rest between the events.

“Some athletes did four events in less than one hour.”

The day also featured a ‘Meet and Greet’ session with some of the stars of the senior team and a raffle which helped raise money to help fund training camps and competitions.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our routines to friends and family members of the athletes as well as young aspiring synchro swimmers,” said Swim England Synchro Manager Karen Thorpe.

“To be able to perform in full competition outfits helps the athletes gain experience.

“It was particularly good for the Development Squad as most of the young athletes haven’t swam in a team like this before.”