CCCAN gold, silver for Jamaica’s synchro team
Jamaica’s three-member National Synchronised Swimming Team reaped success in Barbados at the recently concluded CCCAN Age Group Championship with a four-medal haul of one gold and three silver medals.
The two-day event took place from June 29 to 30 and saw some 25 athletes from five Caribbean countries competing in the 12 and under, 13-15 and 16-18 age groups.
Jamaica’s gold medal was won in the 12 and under duet category with Nyouka Baugh and Felice Coombs topping the event. Coombs also won silver in the solo routines event. In the 16-18 age group, Jamielya Shaw won silver in both the figures competition and in the solo routines.
Other countries competing were Aruba, Curacao, Barbados and Dominican Republic. The 12 and under age group was the most competitive with 20 athletes entered overall.
Dr Christine Gabbadon, Chair of the Synchronised Swimming Technical Committee (SYTC) of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) participated as a technical official (synchro judge) at the competition.
She noted that the Jamaican routines were well received and positive comments were made about the choreography and energy displayed. With more support, there is potential for expansion to include additional swimmers to represent Jamaica at the national level.
A synchro team which includes the three swimmers returning from CCCAN and others is currently being prepared for the UANA Panamerican Age Group Championships in Canada in mid-August.
The sport of synchronised swimming requires rigorous training to develop strength, flexibility and advanced water skills. The team was prepared by National Coach Jun Tochino, a former Japan Junior Olympics synchro representative and Coach Olga Novokshchenova, a double Olympic gold medallist representing Russia, who lives in Portland where all three athletes reside.
Jamaica’s synchro team returned to the island on Thursday and the athletes were accompanied by Tochino and Team Manager and Chaperone Jacqueline Neil.
National synchronised swimmers (from left) Nyouka Baugh, Jamielya Shaw and Felice Coombs
