Calgary has a synchronized swimming club that is mostly made up of seniors - Action News
Home WebMail Thursday, November 14, 2024, 08:19 PM | Calgary | 0.9°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
CalgaryVideo

Calgary has a synchronized swimming club that is mostly made up of seniors

While most of the Calgary Aquamums Masters are seniors, club members range in age from mid-20s to early 80s.

Calgary Aquamums Masters competes around the world, clinching gold time after time

Ladies with lots of lung capacity

8 years ago
Duration 0:31
Members of the Calgary Aquamums range in age from 24 to 82 and they are one of the best master synchronized swimming clubs in the world.

As a recreational lapswimmer, I was pretty sure thisassignment was going to be a snap.

But theCalgary Aquamumstook my breath away. Literally.

Their practice in the dive tank of theTalisman Centre had mehuffing and puffingas I triedto capture theirspins, lifts and formations underwaterwith a GoPro camera strapped to my noggin.

Okay, ladies, now let's get in formation the Calgary Aquamums Masters practice in the dive tank Thursday mornings at the Talisman Centre. (Danielle Nerman/CBC)

DorisGoranson, on the other hand, barely came up for air.She's 81 (going on 31).

"I have a really bad back and the doctor said the only thing I could do is swim," she said.

"I got bored withlaps."

Goranson isn't even the oldest member of this masters synchronized swimming club. Her buddy Ona Bilanwho is shy and didn't want to be interviewedturns82 this year.

'I don't think I've lost. Ever.'

The Aquamums are mostlyof seniorsmembers range in age from 24 to 82but they don't all train together.

One group is more advanced andmade up of women who havea background in the sport. Therest took to the waterlater in life.

Lynee Hulse, 60, practices an underwater spin with the Calgary Aquamums Masters club. (Danielle Nerman/CBC)

Angela Kokotthas only been at it for a year and a half. A lifelong speed swimmer, she took up synchronized swimmer at theage 54.

"They've been so patient with me," she said.

Both groups compete at masters meets and haveswept the podium, many times,at provincial, national and internationalcompetitions.

"I don't think I've lost. Ever," said Carol Fitzsimmons,who was inducted into theInternational Masters Swimming Hall of Fame in 2007.

She's been involved in synchronized swimming most of her lifeandwas on Canada's National Team from 1980 to 1982.Fitzsimmons has been competing with the Aquamums since the 90s and coaching the memberswho she calls good friendssince1986.

"They're very dedicated even at this level. I come down, they're here a half an hour earlier going through the programs. They do other things to keep in shape line dancing, yoga ... they push themselves everyday."

Meet the Aquamums:

The club got its start in the 1970s at the YMCA. Today the team trains at the Talisman Centre. (Danielle Nerman/CBC)

Dot Padget, 66

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)

CarolFitzsimmons, 55

Her favourite colour is gold, and that's because she has won every single FINA Masters World Championships that she has ever competed in.

MyrnaKruge, 53, Shirley Dawson, 57

Sisters!

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)

Lynne Hulse, 60, and Elsje Brunt, 71

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)

Ona Bilan, 82

The team's oldest member shines in the pool butsheis verycamera shy.

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)

AnglaKokott, 54

She only took up the sport a year and a half ago, but has a strong background in speed swimming.

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)

DorisGoranson, 81

Doristook up synchronized when she was 42 after havingspinalsurgery. "I have fourstainless steel screws in my back,which I swear are bending now."

(Danielle Nerman/CBC)