Sibling Success: Hohlstein Sisters Secure Two Gold Medals in Competition
The Masters Synchronized Swimming Championships in Brussels, Belgium, began this weekend, bringing together 59 clubs from twelve nations and showcasing over 250 routines, underlining its international prominence. Among the competitors were German duet sisters, the sole representatives from their nation.
Due to a recent rule change by the world swimming federation, medals were now awarded for technical routines, previously part of the overall score. With limited training and new choreographies, the duo faced immense pressure, exacerbated by Birte's knee injury. Nevertheless, they relied on their extensive experience to persevere.
On Saturday, the German duo triumphantly secured their first gold medal in a technical routine, a momentous achievement in their over 30-year Masters career. The competition for the free routine intensified when a Polish duo was unexpectedly added to a higher age group, despite this not complying with the rules. The sisters recognized their errors, particularly in artistic expression, acknowledging their nervousness. However, their superior synchronization and difficulty scores secured them a 0.97-point lead and a second gold medal.
The entire competition was livestreamed online, allowing many fans in Schiefbahn to watch, while their coach, Sascha Janssen, was absent due to a coaching course.
Looking ahead, the sisters are intensely training for the Masters World Championships in Singapore at the end of July. Having returned with silver from the 2024 WM in Doha, their aspiration this time is another medal, ideally gold. However, the costs for accommodation and flights are self-funded, leading them to seek sponsors.
While specific details about this year's "Brussels Open" may not be found through a general search, it is common for synchronized swimming competitions to follow a similar format, with events for solos, duets, or teams performing choreographed routines that are judged based on technical skill, artistic impression, and execution. It is essential for athletes to demonstrate both precise synchronization and challenging difficulty to secure high scores.
Despite the switch in focus to technical routines and the unexpected Polish duo's entry, the German duo showcased their skills in hockey-like precision, securing Gold in both the technical and free routines at the Masters Synchronized Swimming Championships in Brussels. As they prepare for the Masters World Championships in Singapore, the sisters are looking to repeat their success, aiming for another medal, particularly a coveted gold one, with the added challenge of self-funding their travel expenses.
