Lisa Mikelberg’s career in synchronized swimming started later than most swimmers. Lisa used to do gymnastics, but when she was 13, she decided to quit the sport to try synchronized swimming and simply fell in love with the sport. Lisa Mikelberg has wanted to compete at the Olympic Games since watching Beijing 2008 on TV. Since joining the national team in 2008, she has competed at the FINA World Trophy, an event that celebrates the beauty and artistry of synchronized swimming, in 2010, 2011, and 2012. She made her debut at the FINA World Championship in 2013, finishing sixth in the team free and fifth in the non-Olympic combo event. Mikelberg has also competed at other notable events such as Brazil Open, Spain Open, and German Open. In 2015, Lisa won the gold medal in the team event at the Toronto PanAm Games. She credits much of her success to her family who has always supported her throughout her career. Lisa announced her retirement from the sport in october 2015 (see the press release here).

Family: Parents Michael and Sherry… Brothers Jamie, Bobby and Jesse… Getting into the Sport: Started Synchro at age 14 when she was asked by a friend to try synchro with her… Outside Interests: Pursuing a Bachelor in Sociology at McGill University… Volunteers as a Big Sister… Sponsors a girl from Cambodia through World Vision… Has travelled to Rwanda to help young children at an elementary school… Has also done service trips to Puerto Rico, Panama, Ecuador and post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans… Odds and Ends: Nickname is Lis…Is inspired by Spain’s two-time Olympic silver medalist Gemma Mengual, always drinks chocolate milk before competing… Favourite quote is: “It’s always impossible until it is done” – Nelson Mandela … Why she loves Synchro: Loves feeling the power and control in the water and how the sport requires physical and mental toughness, all while trying to be as graceful as possible…