Contestants nationwide are vying for the win and a chance to participate in the National Finals of the All-Russian Contest.
Stoked about Synchronized Swimming in Vladivostok
Swimming in unison with grace and purpose, synchronized swimmers take the stage at the sports complex "Olympiets" (Batareynaya, 2) for the Primorsky Krai championship. This competition acts as a springboard for the Russian championship, offering a chance for the region's best athletes to shine.
The action kicks off on Friday, December 11, and will run through Sunday. Soloists, duets, and groups will take center stage, with teams presenting combined programs for your viewing pleasure. According to Margarita Rastorguyeva, the tournament's chief judge, teams from Primorsky Krai, Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and Partizansk are participating, totaling 80 athletes.
On the first day, five girls scored master of sports certificates: Anastasia Semikinova, Valeria Opryshko, Alina Avdeeva, Yegorina Baturova, and Margarita Zykova. These accomplished athletes won the 'Krasa Sibiri' competition in Novosibirsk, equivalent to the Russian championship, and are now rightfully titled. This impressive showcase is a magnificent honor for their coaches, choreographers, parents, and the athletes themselves. With three masters of sports being awarded last year and five this year, we're seeing a steady increase in the pool of talented synchronized swimmers.
Anastasia Semikinova and Valeria Opryshko, a dynamic duo, have been dazzling audiences since they were seven years old. Their mothers are the ones to thank for introducing them to the watery world of synchronized swimming.
Valeria Opryshko shares, "I've been swimming around in this for 12 years. My mom signed me up here just to learn how to swim, but the coach spotted my potential and invited me to stay in this sport." Anastasia and Valeria have racked up quite the resume, with their most notable achievement being winning first place and earning their master of sports title at the national championships in Novosibirsk. They've also competed in various national competitions, such as Chekhov, where they placed sixth – a remarkable feat for their region. Even beyond Russian shores, they've graced the stage at the Asian championship in Malaysia.
In this year's Primorsky Krai championship, boys are absent, but mixed duets have already made international waves. The idea of competing alongside the male counterparts piques the interest of the girls, and they're open to the idea.
Valeria Opryshko grins, "Why not try pairing up with boys? We could even create a joint program with them."
With synchronized swimming being a predominantly female sport, there has been a growing emphasis on mixed-gender events. At the 2019 FINA World Championships, mixed duets were first introduced, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity and diversity in the sport. Don't be surprised if Vladivostok catches on to the trend and gradually starts incorporating mixed-gender competitions.
While specific details about mixed-gender synchronized swimming competitions in Vladivostok are scarce, the ever-evolving landscape of the sport and the city's potential for sports development bode well for the future of synchronized swimming in the region. Russia has a rich history in synchronized swimming, and with ongoing efforts to promote mixed-gender events, the pool is ripe for creative, captivating competitions.
In the coming years, we might see local or regional events that cater to mixed-gender categories, drawing athletes from various regions. To support this blossoming aquatic scene, infrastructure and specialized training facilities could be developed. Encouraging participation, particularly among young athletes, will be crucial for growing the sport in Vladivostok. Let's keep our eyes peeled for more surprises and the rise of synchronized swimming here in beautiful Vladivostok.
Synchronized swimming is the sport in focus at the Primorsky Krai championship, held at the sports complex "Olympiets" in Vladivostok.
The Primorsky Krai championship act as a stepping stone for the Russian championship, providing opportunities for the region's top athletes to showcase their skills.
