Canada took third spot on Friday in the team highlight event to open the FINA World Trophy synchronized swimming competition.

Spain finished first with 96.500 points, Russia followed at 96.375 and the Canadians were third at 95.250.  The Canadian swimmers were Geneviève Bélanger of Laval, Que., Camille Bowness of Beaconsfield, Que., Gabrielle Cardinal of St-Lambert, Que., Stéphanie Durocher of Repentigny, Que., Annabelle Frappier of Mont-St-Hilaire, Que., Sandy Gill of Coquitlam, B.C., Emilia Kopcik of Surrey, B.C., Rachel Kowalski of Kitchener, Ont., Lisa Mikelberg of Hampstead, Que., Marie-Lou Morin of Westmount, Que., Marie Rondeau of Quebec City and Anne-Marie Vézina of L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que.

This is the 5th edition of the FINA World Trophy, considered the most spectacular competition in the synchronized swimming international calendar. The performances are judged solely on artistic merit and the athletes are allowed to use original costumes and accessories.

In the team highlight competition, all 12 swimmers are in the water.  The Canadians performed their popular Fury of Rock routine and stood out with all 12 wearing lights on their hands.

‘’We had to make modifications to the program for this event and it went very well,’’ said Morin.  ‘’It made a great effect to have the lights and we showed a lot of energy.  It was exciting to compete in this kind of competition where the emphasis is on the artistry which is traditionally our strength.’’

In the thematic duet, pairs from Russia, Spain and Ukraine took first, second and third positions respectively while Morin and Bowness were fifth.  Morin and Bowness competed for the first time together in two years.  They were partners for five years before that and won gold at the 2007 Canada Games.

‘’It didn’t take long for our chemistry to come back,’’ said Morin. ‘’Certainly we were hoping for a higher placement but we were extremely pleased with our performance.  We felt a bit of pressure for this competition.’’

Medals are not awarded for each individual event but for the overall performance through the three days of competition.

Competition continues through to Sunday.

For more information:
Patrick Godbout
Synchro Canada
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