The City of Leeds Synchronised Swimming Club have been crowned national champions for the first time in the club’s history, taking home first place in the Swim England National Combo Cup at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.
The team event saw 50 swimmers represent the city of Leeds, with the club securing a medal in all five-events across the course of the competition. The club left Ponds Forge with a total of three gold medals, one silver and one bronze which crowned them winners of the Combo Cup trophy with an impressive 42 points, nine points clear of second place Rugby. Leeds Synchronised Swimming Club caters for all levels of swimmers in Leeds from beginners through to international athletes and is one of Leeds City Council’s successful aquatic training schemes.
The council’s aquatic training programme, consisting of the Synchro, Swimming and Diving teams is considered one of the leading programmes in Great Britain, providing more athletes to world class and national performance and talent programmes than any other aquatic programme. The recent success at the Swim England National Combo Cup is another example of the clear pathway, from first swimming lesson through to Olympic success, for children in Leeds offered by Active Leeds.
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles said:
“I would like to offer a huge congratulations to the 50 swimmers, support staff and coaches who brought home the national championship for Leeds. This victory continues the winning success we have seen across all of the aquatics training schemes in recent years and is a real testament to the hard work of all the athletes, coaches and Active Leeds staff. As a council we are extremely proud of all our aquatic squads and it is fantastic to be able to continue supporting their success in swimming pools across Yorkshire, Great Britain and the World.”
Deanne Ward, head coach, City of Leeds Synchronised Swimming Training Scheme said:
“Winning the Swim England National Combo Cup is a historic achievement for our club, county & region. The athletes trained so hard every session and their confidence has grown incredibly throughout this process. Every routine scored a personal best and I, as head coach couldn’t be prouder of the things we have achieved as a club all our dedication and hard work has paid off!”
Synchronised swimming is a complex, challenging, but really fun sport. Swimmers can compete both individually and in team events, which test their skills, strength, flexibility, co-ordination and artistic interpretation www.leedssynchro.org.uk
There is no one magic move or secret that creates victory, but lots of little items that when added together can make you victorious. Congratulations on your incredible success.
