DSSC Swimmers Leave Their Mark in 2010 During International Competitions

SWO 13-15 Yr Old A Team, Loyola Athletic Club Invitational (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

The Canadian flag flew a little higher this past summer as five swimmers from the Durham Synchronized Swimming Club (DSSC) participated in international competitions after they qualified as members of Synchro Swim Ontario’s provincial teams. Rachel Nickerson and Alycia Halyk from DSSC’s Tier 7 team, Sarah Masters, Laura Walsh and Kionna Whyte from the Tier 6 team returned from their exploits with fond memories and medals to add to their trophy cases.

Alycia Halyk and Rachel Nickerson, Synchro Swim Ontario (SWO) 13-15 A Team, represented Canada at the Loyola Athletic Club Invitational in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 9-11, 2010. The enlivened atmosphere of San Juan enhanced the excitement during the Loyola Athletic Club Invitational. SWO Head Coach Jennifer Shaver and Assistant Coach Brittany Orton directed the 13-15 A Team to gold during the Team Finals after they performed a rigorously choreographed routine that featured five spectacular highlights. Their colourful butterfly adorned suits, contrasted by a black background, visually complimented the artistic elements of their routine. The club’s large outdoor pool didn’t deter these swimmers as outdoor practices are part of DSSC training during warmer months.

SWO A Team Duet, Rachel Nickerson & Alycia Halyk (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Big Band tempos jived through the air, as the Halyk/Nickerson duet performed a swing themed routine that captured the gold medal spot in Duet Finals. Never exceeding the required three and a half minute time criteria this duo looked striking in purple and black “zoot suit” inspired routine suits. The competition failed to measure up against this formidable partnership. Credit for this gold medal win has been extended to DSSC’s Head Coach Holley Lundmark who was the original coach and choreographer of this dramatic routine. In keeping with top podium rankings, Rachel Nickerson received first place during the Figures segment of this South American competition.

SWO 13-15 Yr Old B Team, Aquatica Cup (Lima, Peru)

Sarah Masters and Kionna Whyte, SWO 13-15 B Team, competed at the Aquatica Cup in Lima, Peru, July 8 – 11, 2010. The sunny, warm weather of Peru seemed to alleviate any jet lag the 13-15 B Team experienced during their journey to Lima, Peru. As part of a team consisting of swimmers from across Southern Ontario, Kionna Whyte and Sarah Masters faced down any competition with confidence and ambition. Glittering rhinestones accented this team’s flashy routine suits emblazoned with a purple and yellow star set against a navy blue background. Their dramatic performance was set to a fast paced musical theme. Their persistence was awarded with gold during the Team Finals.

SWO 13-15 Yr Old B Team Duet Kionna Whyte & Sarah Masters (Lima, Peru)

Competing in both Team and Duet events, the Masters/Whyte duet achieved a first place gold medal during the Duet Finals. Head Coach Larissa Ryssina and Assistant Coach Chandra Costello lead an invigorated approach to all the events this team participated in. Strong choreography and succinct synchronicity were unrivalled during this competition.

SWO 11-12 Yr Old A Team with Laura Walsh (Walnut Creek, California)

Laura Walsh, from the Tier 6 DSSC’s National team, qualified for the 2010 11-12 A SWO Team. From July 30-August 3, 2010 Laura received specialized training at the Walnut Creek Aquanuts, Week in the Creek Camp in sunny California. Laura was amongst several young girls from the GTA and Southern Ontario region selected by SWO to attend a special skills training camp held at the home of the US National Junior Champions.

Ancient South Americans believed that the Goddess Xchel presided over the waters of the Earth. They turned to her to predict the weather and respected her watery domains. By creating such beauty with their synchronized performances these swimmers illustrated the power of water and its relationship with humanity. These five young women participated in international events that will have an impact on their careers as synchronized swimmers. Representing not only Synchro Swim Ontario, these athletes were represented the talent within DSSC. As strong, ambitious swimmers these athletes are powerhouses in their own right lending their skills and talents to compete in events that received international recognition. Durham Synchro may be a small club however; true to the epitaph big talent comes in small packages.

Additional photos of this event may be viewed on the Photos page.