Double gold for GB synchro at London 2016 Masters

The British synchronised swimmers showed their class in the Duet Technical routines to claim gold for GB Synchro at the London 2016 European Masters.

The Duet Tech is an event where synchronised swimmers get the chance to show their execution of technical elements in a routine with set moves.

Each element must be done in the order specified and no element can be missed out of the routine.

Zoe Cooper finished first for the second time in the championships, after an impressive performance in yesterday’s solo technical competition.

The Walsall synchronised swimmer displayed her solid partnership with Alexandra Kudryl in the 30-39yrs age group, finishing ahead of their Belgian and Czech counterparts with a score of 70.666 to top the table.

Holland and Macdonald top 50-59 Years podium

In the 50-59yrs age group, Rushmoor Royals’ Andrea Holland and Carolyn Macdonald claimed GB’s second first place finish of the day, awarded a score of 59.1666 to top the podium.

Both Holland and Macdonald have won duet gold medals at European Championships as elite athletes – Holland in 1977 and Macdonald (nee Wilson) in 1981 and 1983.

Both athletes have been in retirement for some time, but have taken back to the pool for the first time in preparation for the London 2016 European Championships. The two Rushmoor ladies have been receiving coaching from London 2012 Olympian, Asha Randall in the lead up to the event.

Also competing in the duet were Louise Ross and April Poulter (also of Rushmoor, pictured above) and Seymour’s Laura Loi and Ambre Maucorps who finished 12th and 14th respectively in the 25-29yrs age group. Also from Seymour Synchro club were Nat Rukazenkova-Cleverly and Elizabeth Winter who finished 17th in the 30-39yrs age group.

In the 40-49yrs age group, Trafford Synchro and Brighton Dolphins duets came fifth and seventh respectively, and in the 50-59yrs Gaye Greely and Margaret Hamerton also of Brighton) came seventh.