Stéphanie Leclair and Robert Prévost announced as Canada's mixed duet pair for FINA World Championships

Ottawa, July 16, 2015 — Synchro Canada is proud to announce that 2012 Olympian Stéphanie Leclair, from Gatineau (QC), will join forces with synchronized swimmer Robert Prévost, from Montréal (QC), to represent Canada in the first-ever mixed duet event at the upcoming FINA World Aquatic Championships in Kazan, Russia, on July 28-30, 2015.

Both athletes have come out of retirement to train for the World Championships, where they will be entering the Free Duet event.

“We are very proud to be the first ever Canadian mixed duet,” stated Leclair. “We can’t wait to go out to Russia and show the world what we’re capable of.”

“This is truly a dream come true for me,” added Prévost. “I’ve been involved with synchronized swimming for so many years but I’ve never had the opportunity to represent my country in an international competition. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and I’m glad I’ll be able to share it with Stéphanie who is a great duet partner.”

The pairing, which was chosen after a selection trial held in early June, is coached by Centre of Excellence coach Lyne Piché, assisted by Valérie Welsh, another 2012 Olympian, who will be accompanying them to Russia.

New event

The mixed duet is a new event on the synchronized swimming calendar and will be presented for the first time in a FINA sanctioned competition at the Kazan 2015 World Championships.

About Stéphanie Leclair

Stéphanie Leclair won the first medal of her life at her second competition at the age of 5. At age 15, she moved to Montreal to continue her development in a new synchronized swimming club. Three years later, in 2008, she was selected for the Junior National Team and she won a bronze medal in duet at the FINA Junior World Championships. In 2009, she was selected for the Senior National Team.

In 2012 in London, Stéphanie was part of the Canadian Olympic team that finished 4th. She also represented Canada at the 2013, 2011 and 2009 FINA World Aquatic Championships where she won 2 bronze medal in the combo events, at the 2010 FINA World Cup where she won two bronze medals in the team and combo events, and was part of the Canadian Team champion of the 2009 FINA World Trophy.

About Robert Robert Prévost

Robert Prévost started synchronized swimming when he was 12 years old and immediately fell in love with the sport. After many years as a competitive swimmer, he stepped into a coaching role and has been coaching synchronized swimming at CAEM Club in Montreal for 15 years. He was an artistic director for various aquatic shows and performed with Cirque du Soleil at the opening ceremony of the 2005 FINA World Championships.

About Synchro Canada

Synchro Canada is an organization that fosters the pursuit of excellence while developing athletes, citizens, and ambassadors of the sport of synchronized swimming at all levels. From its 1924 beginnings in Montréal, synchronized swimming has been actively pursued by more than 70 countries worldwide. Canada proudly ranks among the best of these nations.

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 Suncare: Shiseido Canada

Official make up: MAKE UP FOR EVER

Official suppliers: 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:

Stéphane Côté

Synchro Canada