麻豆社区

Three local synchronized swimmers ended their season in style last weekend.

Fifteen-year-olds Jamie Duke and Samantha Steele, and 13-year-old Katelyn Vowk were in Regina for the Canadian Prairie Invitational Synchronized Swimming Championships from May 9 to 12.

The trio took to the pool to challenge swimmers from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Duke and Vowk earned an eighth-place finish for their duet in the 13-to-15-year-old provincial stream, while Steele picked up a 13th-place finish for her solo act in the same category.

All three also competed in figures, with Vowk placing 21st.

Duke ranked 35th, while Steele placed 50th.

"It was their first competitive meet,鈥� coach Aura-Lea Harper told the Star. "I think they swam very, very well, but they've definitely swam it better in practice.鈥�

Harper said a combination of stress and nerves saw the swimmers "psyche themselves out鈥� prior to their routines in Regina.

Regardless, each of Duke, Vowk and Steele have come a long way in a short time, the coach said.

"They have improved so much and are definitely where they should be,鈥� she said. "Compared to everyone else that was down there, they're right in the middle of them, so that's what we want to see. It was just a pleasure to actually see them compete at such a high level.鈥�

The Northern Novas haven't attended meets of this calibre for the last two years, said Harper. The meet was viewed as one that could help prepare the team for future Canada Games competition.

Harper also pointed out the club is adjusting to new synchro standards, which now sees athletes compete in age groups, rather than the tier system used previously.

"With age categories, no matter when you start, you have to compete in your age category,鈥� Harper said. "So it's a totally different turn that we have had to adjust to.鈥�

The meet symbolized the end of the season for the three longtime Nova swimmers. The rest of the club completed their year with the Spring Water Show last month.