SYNCHRO Stars Jamaica won five gold and one silver medal in their toughest competition of the season, the Tri-State Championships i Connecticut, United States.

Eight-year-old T’Neil Gooden, one of the youngest athletes that competed in the event, won gold in the 12 & Under solo and figures; 12-year-old Breann Campbell triumphed in the 13-15 solo and figures; and Breann and Joley Campbell clinched another gold in the 13-15 duet.

It was solid achievement by the Jamaicans competing in New Canaan, whose home club YMCA Aquiannas boasts US Junior National team members and has produced Olympians past and present.

Thirteen-year-old Joley took silver in the 13-15 figures.

Athletes from New Jersey and New York also competed in the championships.

For the overall title, which included 250 athletes, Gooden won gold, Breann bronze and fourth place for Breann and Joley in the duet.

Synchro Stars had two-days of practice before the meet with New Canaan YMCA Aquiannas, ranked as one of the top 10 US synchronised swimming clubs.

Synchro Stars head coach Carrie Reynolds, who is also the national synchronised swimming coach, had an opportunity to work with leading American technician of the sport, Krista Bessinger.

The Synchro Stars athletes were praised by the judges, most of whom have been used in American top-flight competitions, for their “height and control” in their figures, their “energy levels” throughout the routines, and “unique choreography style”.

The Jamaican Marley Medley Jammin, Welcome to JamRock, and Rasta Love routines specifically stood out to the USA as being unique and a refreshing change from the norm in Synchro.

Reynolds believes that the Synchro Stars representatives have turned in relatively world-class performances.

“We are not far off by any means. Teams were impressed with our skill level and had many compliments to send our way. They were also very generous in the sessions as the teams worked on flexibility, extension and Special Synchro stretching drills together.

“One of the most impressive points to note from the US coaches was that our athletes, whom have not been in the sport “that long” presented a level of maturity, were focused and their dedication was present,” she explained.

Chairman of Synchro Stars Diahann Campbell, who is also a world and regional accredited judge, was received with open arms and technical advice was shared.

She used the opportunity to promote and market the 4th Annual Jamaica International Synchronized Swimming Championship set for October 5-7 which will have the services of world-renowned FINA Evaluator Judy McGowan and participants from Aruba, Panama, Curacao, Costa Rica and top-five ranked US Clubs.

According to Campbell, “interest is mounting in the event as airfare is reasonably low during October and it falls on a US holiday weekend (Columbus Day 7th October).

Sponsors such as Jamaica Tourist Board and Ensure have signed on the event which has been endorsed by The Jamaica 50 Secretariat and supported by the Sport Development Foundation.

The trip was made possible by rehydration by Gatorade, Costumes by Mushrooms, Luggage by Lime and Raffle prize sponsored by Sandals.