Comeback silver for Canada in team event at German Open synchronized swimming competition

Bonn, March 16, 2014 – Canada came back from third spot in the technical routine with a strong free program in Sunday’s final in the team event at the German Open synchronized swimming competition. Karine Thomas of Gatineau and Jacqueline Simoneau of Montreal added a bronze in duet.

In team competition, China won the gold medal with 182.9500 points, the Canadians followed at 176.5491 to overtake the Italians who slipped third at 175.5028. The Canadian swimmers were Marie-Lou Morin (Westmount, Que.,), Lisa Mickelberg (Montreal), Kaylene Scheil (Calgary), Annabelle Frappier (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.), Sandy Gill (Coquitlam, B.C.), Jacqueline Simoneau (Montreal, Que.), Gabriella Brisson (Calgary) and Claudia Holzner (Calgary).

“We are very pleased with the result but even more importantly we are proud about our performance”, said Morin, the team captain. “We showed we can fight and have great synergy under pressure. We’re heading to the French Open with more confidence and determination.”

In duet, Xuechen Huang and Wenyan Sun of China were first at 92.4083, Yukiko Inui and Risako Mitsui of Japan second at 90.3333 and Simoneau and Thomas third at 89.2000. The performance completes a promising start for the new Canadian pair.

“This competition really allowed us to grow as a duet team”, said Thomas. “We’ve always had good dynamics in training but the experience we’ll gain at the international level this year will strengthen our chemistry. We are excited about the upcoming meets in 2014 especially the 2014 FINA World Cup which will be our final test.”

In solo competition, Simoneau was not in medal contention after skipping the technical event Friday still she scored the second highest free program score for the second straight day at 89.066.

“Despite a busy schedule with the team and duet finals today I still had a nice solo performance”, said Simoneau. “It even surpassed my free program in the prelims. It adds to my international experience and in my development towards the French Open and other events this season.”

The Canadians compete at the French Open March 20-22.

About Synchro Canada

Synchro Canada is the national organization governing synchronized swimming in Canada. It represents 10 provincial associations, a territorial association, as well as some 150 clubs and 12,000 members across Canada. A member of FINA, the world’s governing aquatic sports organization, Synchro Canada promotes the quest for excellence by developing the athletes, citizens and ambassadors of the sport of synchronized swimming at every level.

Synchro Canada would like to thank its sponsors:

Program partners: Sport Canada, Own The Podium, the Institut national du sport du Québec

Official Aquatic Supplier: Speedo Canada

Official make up: MAKE UP FOR EVER

Official suppliers: Knox Gelatine, AdUp, National Car Rental

Official hotel: Hilton Hotels Canada

For further information, visit Synchro Canada’s Website at www.synchro.ca or follow Synchro Canada on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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For information:

Patrick Godbout

Synchro Canada

Communications Manager