The BC Aquasonics (BCAQ) had a powerhouse performance at the weekend’s National Stream BC Provincial Synchronized Swimming Championships in Surrey, taking home gold medals in six of seven events.
The BCAQ Senior National Stream Combo Team, including athlete Amy Whitton of Aldergrove, coached by Susan Kemper (Langley), achieved outstanding technical and artistic scores in the Junior/Senior Combo event, to take first place with a total score of 78.030, a clear six points higher than rivals Vancouver Pacific Wave.
The 13-15 BCAQ National Stream Team, including athlete Alannah Stobbe (Abbotsford), coached by Tanya Magee (Langley), was second after Saturday’s figures event with a combined team score of 64.116. However, both their technical and artistic scores in Sunday’s routine vaulted them into first place with a total score of 68.210, leading second place Vancouver Pacific Wave by 1.5 points.
BCAQ’s Duet Teams also had outstanding results this weekend. Natasha Heine (Surrey) and Mackenzy Higgins (White Rock) won gold in the Senior Free Duet event, with a score of 75.933 and clear lead over duets from Victoria Synchro and the Nanaimo Diamonds.
In the 13-15 Duet event, Madyson Stickley (Surrey) and Alanna Stobbe (Abbotsford) were in second place after Saturday’s figures event but it was their routine on Sunday that pushed them into the first place position with a total score of 67.734.
“I am extremely proud of all of our athletes,” says head coach Susan Kemper. “Not only did our athletes win gold in their respective events, their outstanding scores are a reflection of their ability, conditioning, training, and readiness to compete. We have positioned our teams for medal contention at the National Qualifier in Calgary in March.”
BC Aquasonics athletes at this event are National Stream synchronized swimmers in the 13-15 age group, Juniors (16-18 years) and Seniors (18+). National Stream synchronized swimmers compete at the highest level of competition in Canada. This provincial meet was their final opportunity to compete in British Columbia before these teams head to the National Qualifier in Calgary, March 19-24. BC Aquasonics National Stream athletes and coaches represent communities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
The BC Aquasonics is British Columbia’s oldest, largest, and most successful synchronized swimming club. The Aquasonics have produced all but one Team Canada Athlete from the province of B.C., all of the Olympic team synchronized swimmers from B.C., and two Olympic Team coaches. Training in Coquitlam and Surrey, the club currently has its largest membership in over a decade with over 100 athletes, age six to 20, in introductory, recreational and competitive streams.
