Sparkling senior solo international debut for synchro swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau at German Open

Bonn, March 15, 2014 – Jacqueline Simoneau of Montreal made an impressive senior international debut on Saturday ranking second in the solo free program at the German Open synchronized swimming competition.

Simoneau, 17, tabulated 89.0667 less than two points behind Olympian Yukiko Inui of Japan first at 91.1000.

“I had really great swim today, it was one of my best performances”, said Simoneau, solo bronze medallist at the FINA 2012 World Junior Championships.

“There are still a few things I need to work on for tomorrow’s swim. In general I think this is a good start to my competition year.”

Simoneau made sure she was well prepared for this weekend’s competition.

“I was looking forward to showing my new solo routine. We put in a lot of hours for the choreography and the judges appreciated that.”

Linda Cerruti of Italy was third at 87.7333.

Simoneau did not compete in Friday’s technical program therefore is not eligible for medals in Sunday’s final. She will perform her free routine again on Sunday in the pre-swim before the final.

Third in duet

Simoneau and Karine Thomas of Gatineau remain third after the duet free program on Saturday. They’ll go for a medal on Sunday.

“It went well for us but I definitely think we can improve our performance in the final”, said Thomas. “We need to start stronger. Our free routine has a lot of difficulties and we want to show all our strengths.”

Xuechen Huang and Wenyen Sun of China lead with 183.7300, Inui and Risako Mitsui of Japan are second at 177.9807 and the Canadians have 175.0502.

Competition continues through to Sunday.

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