'Great performances' at synchronised trials

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) vice-president in charge of swimming, Diahann Campbell, is more than pleased with the performances and organisation of the National Synchronised Swimming Trials.

The event, which was held at the National Stadium swimming pool on Sunday, saw a number of aspiring national representatives talking part in solo, duet and team categories at the 12 and Under and 13-15 age-group levels.

"The general consensus among all those who were present was that the trials was well organised and the performances were great," said Campbell.

"It is a testimony to the hard work that the swimmers, coaches and officials have been putting in, and what this is saying is that the standard of synchronised swimming has gone up.

"We now look forward to the naming of the squad for the championships as, come Carifta, our aim is to perform at a level whereby we hope to assess our readiness as we seek to ultimately compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games," she explained.

Among the standouts at the trials were Jamielya Shaw and Sharlotte Ausan, who competed in the 13-15 duet and turned up the tempo with a contemporary classical piece.

However, they were equally matched by the duet of Joyley Campbell and Breanna Campbell (no relation) in the 13-15 category, who drew bouts of applause for their contemporary reggae medley.

It included a Usain Bolt trademark 'lightning bolt' pose and was done to the backdrop of the songs Welcome to Jamrock by Damian Marley and She is in Love With a Rastaman by Protégé.

Shaw and Ausan were coached by Olga Novokshenova and Carrie Reynolds, while the Campbells - Joyley and Breanna - were conditioned by Reynolds.

The Carifta Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo Championships will be held in Jamaica from April 6-9, while the Carifta Swimming Championships will be held in The Bahamas from April 12-15.

A 16-18 age group is also slated for the synchronised swimming category. However, Jamaica will not be contesting the category because of a shortage of personnel.