SYCHRONISED SWIMMING: MONTHS of preparation paid off for Rugby Sychronised Swimming club as they scooped silver at the Swim England Masters Nationals, held in the borough.
Rugby’s Queens Diamond Jubliee Centre hosted the event, and it would provide a welcome venue for the home team after they travelled out to Budapest earlier this year to compete in the World Championships – where they finished tenth.
Confident on home territory, Rugby – swimming to their new ‘grease’ theme – picked up the silver medal in the 40-64 age category.
Mayor of Rugby Belinda Garcia presented the prize – and the club was more than pleased with their efforts.
A club spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to have achieved another ‘team best’ within a couple of months and to have narrowed the gap between us and our friendly rivals, Rushmoor.”
“Nationals is the finale of our year – it’s a great opportunity for us to see how we have progressed.
“This year has been a successful one for us – top 10 in the world and within the top two teams in the country for team combination.”
Julie Bowler-Smith also competed in the solo category, swimming a technical routine to Stigma and Take That’s ‘Cry’.
Having faced tough completion from three former GB swimmers, Julie placed a confident fourth out of five swimmers within her age group.
The combo team now have their hearts set on competing at the European Master Championships in Slovenia in September next year.
With a new routine, inspired by what they learnt at the Masters conference, hopes are high for another podium position.
