Robyn leads way as GB athletes shine in FINA Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge

Robyn Swatman sealed top spot in a ‘high-class field’ as four of Great Britain’s artistic swimmers ‘performed admirably’ in a FINA Virtual Challenge.

Swatman was victorious in the female senior solo category, while Rosie Rallings, Evie Walker and Ranjuo Tomblin also sealed top 10 finishes in their respective events.

FINA set up the challenge to help engage athletes who have been unable to take part in competitive events due to the coronavirus pandemic and it featured entrants from around the world.

Competitors had to create a 45-second dryland routine filmed using an Instagram filter to give the illusion of them performing in the water.

Swatman scored 42.9118 points to finish 0.3306 ahead of Italy’s Francesca Zunino and 1.2547 clear of third-placed Clara Ternström, from Sweden.

Karen Thorpe, Swim England artistic swimming manager, said: “It was a great result and performance from Robyn to win the senior competition, especially as she is our junior soloist.

“It was a high-class field and Robyn, Rosie, Evie and Ranjuo all put on admirable performances which was reflected by their impressive scores and final standings.

“It’s obviously been a very tough year for all our athletes so it was good they could get a taste of a competitive event, albeit in a virtual land competition.

Develop key skills

“We have been running weekly virtual training sessions for all our squads during both lockdowns, concentrating on control, flexibility and strength – and they are clearly working!

“Of course it’s not the same as being in the pool but it’s keeping our athletes engaged and focused as they develop key skills that will only help them improve once they are back in the water.”

Tomblin missed out on a top three finish in the 13-15/youth solo male event as his total of 32.6615 saw him claim fourth spot.

In the 13-15/youth solo female event, Walker finished seventh out of 25 competitors with a total of 38.7721 points.

Rallings was also seventh in the junior solo female event as she scored 39.5967 – only 1.2688 behind the eventual winner, Canada’s Chloe Massey (40.8655).