The Canadian Synchronised SwimmingTeam won the 4th FINA World Trophy title amongst the 10 best countries in the world gathered in Montreal this weekend. In 2008, Canada ranked fourth in the third edition of this competition held in Spain.

The total score accumulated during the five events of the competition allowed Canada to climb on the top of the podium ahead of Russia.  The cumulative score for Canada was 491.666 points, followed by Russia with 491.333 points, and Spain with 485.666 points.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team », said Team Canada head coach Denise Sauvé. “The performances of our swimmers this week-end exceeded our expectations. They consolidate our comeback on the international scene, which is promising for the 2012 Olympic Games. Also, we cannot forget to mention the support of the local crowd who certainly contributed to the comeback on the top step of the podium. On behalf of the Canadian Team, thank you!”

“It’s really amazing”, said Team Canada’s Captain Ève Lamoureux. “With the Russian domination in the past years, we can see today that everything is possible. This first position is giving us even more confidence for competitions to come.”

Third position at the free combo event
At the last event of the weekend—the free combo, Canada finished third, with Russia taking part in the event.  Russia took the first position at the combo event with 98.667 points, followed by Spain with 98.333 points and Canada with 98.000 points. Canada kept the third spot acquired at the 2009 FINA World Aquatic Championships last summer in Rome.

Back on the top spot
During the weekend, Canada took the first position in three events (highlight team, thematic duet and thematic team).  Canada was last on the first step of the podium in the 1992 Olympic Games.

Soloist Marie-Pier Boudreau-Gagnon closed the gap with the world champion Natalia Ishchenko from Russia.  She was sitting on the third rank at the 2009 FINA World Aquatic Championships, The free combo event team kept his third position won last summer in Rome.

The Canadian team also got perfect marks for the first time since the 1997 FINA World Cup after earning two marks of 10 at the thematic team routine, Saturday.

The 3-day competition concluded with a closing show directed by Sylvie Fréchette, Olympic gold medalist. With Samajam and Insolita, Sylvie Fréchette orchestrated a show where water, fire and percussions came together.

The Canadian team who took part at the 4th FINA World Trophy was directed by head coach Denise Sauvé and coaches Julie Sauvé, Kasia Kulesza and Meng Chen. The team included Marie-Pier Boudreau Gagnon (Rivière-du-Loup, QC), Stéphanie Durocher (Repentigny, QC), Jo-Annie Fortin (Montréal, QC), Sandy Gill (Coquitlam, B.C.), Chloé Isaac (Brossard, QC), Emilia Kopcik (Surrey, B.C.), Stéphanie Leclair (Gatineau, QC), Karine Thomas (Gatineau, QC), Valérie Welsh (Saint-Nicolas, QC), Erin Wilson (North York, ON), Ève Lamoureux (Montréal, QC) and Marie-Lou Morin (Montréal, QC).

About the 4th FINA World Trophy
Presented for the first time in North America, the 4th FINA World Trophy is the most spectacular event on the international synchronized swimming calendar.  The competition is held annually and most recent host cities have included Madrid, Moscow and Rio de Janeiro.  The 4th FINA World Trophy will attract 120 athletes from the top-10 nations in synchronized swimming: Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Spain, United States, Italy, Japan and Russia.  During the event, judge’s scores will be based almost entirely on the artistic merit of the routines which allows complete freedom for costumes and surprise accessories.

About Synchro Canada
Synchro Canada is the national organization that governs synchronized swimming in Canada and that represents more than 130 clubs and 6400 members all across Canada. A member of FINA, the world’s governing body of aquatic sports, Synchro Canada promotes the quest for excellence through the development of athletes and synchronized swimming ambassadors. For more information, check out Synchro Canada’s website at www.synchro.ca. 

- 30 -

Note: pictures available at www.dermotcleary.com

Results: free combo

For information:
Patrick Godbout
Synchro Canada
Communications Manager
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Cell.: (514) 213-9897