Annual event prove local talent in lesser known sport
Kingfisher AquaSync, Pretoria's only recreational and competitive synchronized swimming club, presented their annual invitational competition last week.
Synchronised swimming (also known as artistic swimming) may actually be an Olympic sport, but it is still relatively unknown in South Africa.
Contestants at the recent Kingfisher Invitational proved that Pretoria has a lot of talented young girls who could compete at a high level in this sport.
The event was presented at the De Jong diving centre in Muckleneuk, Pretoria.
Participants were from the only two synchronised swimming clubs in Gauteng, namely Kingfisher AquaSync from Pretoria and Synchronacity from Johannesburg.
Kingfisher AquaSync is Pretoria’s only recreational and competitive synchronised swimming club. Synchronised swimming (some even call it water ballet) is great for improving strength, fitness, flexibility and team work. It is also a good compliment for a variety of other sports – not to mention being a graceful and beautiful sport on its own.
The club’s athletes are coached by three experienced synchronised swimmers with a variety of competitive experience. There is also a support system of additional part-time coaches and associated members with experience in synchro, gymnastics, dance and swimming.
Established in 2016, Kingfisher AquaSync club has grown rapidly during its first year. More than 20 girls – with ages ranging from six to 17 – competed at last week’s friendly competition.
One of the stars of the event was an exchange student from Europe, but several local participants have shown that Pretoria also has very good synchronised swimmers.
The event were divided into three sections. It started with the figure competition. Then followed the display routines (solos and groups) and the event ended with the competitive routines. The latter included solos, duets, a trio and group routine.
Synchronised swimming is a “Cinderella sport” in South Africa and even more so in Gauteng, according to Erika Vegter of the Kingfisher AquaSync club.
She told Rekord that Pretoria only saw the sport returning to the city last year after many years of absence.
For more information visit the club’s website at https://kingfisheraquasync.wixsite.com/kingfisheraquasync or contact Erika Vegter at kingfisher.aquasync@gmail.com .
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