Rugby Swimming Club's Sophie Randle has been finalising preparations for her international debut next week.
Sophie, a member of the England under 15 squad, has spent the last two weeks on a training camp in Manchester as the English girls prepare t
o travel this weekend to Crete for the 2010 Comen Cup.
The competition will run from July 21-25 and Sophie is due to compete in both the Individual Figures category and as part of the England Combination Team.
At 13 years old, Sophie is the youngest member of the England Squad and the experience of competing against some of the top synchro nations in the World is an exciting prospect - England have been drawn to train alongside last year's winners, Russia and 'strong-nation' Canada in the two days prior to the commencement of the event.
As part of the final preparation, Sophie has performed demonstrations at both Stretford Leisure Centre (near Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium) and Stockport Central Swimming Baths as the team finalise and attempt to perfect the routines they will perform at the competition.
However, the English girls have the added challenge of competing in an outdoor stadium in 35 degrees heat for the first time! The competition follows six months of dedicated training by Sophie, often training in excess of 20 hours a week alongside her normal school routine.
Great thanks to the people who have supported her along the way including inspirational coach and mentor, Hannah Dudley; assistant coach, Linda Peake and speed-coach, Jenny Withall.
Sophie has also enjoyed great support and encouragement from Rugby High School and the Ken Marriott Leisure Centre who have provided additional training facilities.
In further recognition for Rugby Swimming Club, Hannah Dudley will also be in Crete as England's representative amongst the International Judges. Good luck to both Sophie and Hannah!
n Following last weekend's great results at the County Championships, Rugby Synchro enjoyed further success at the Crooked Spires Novice Competition in Nottingham.
In another demonstration of the growing stature of the Club, Rugby dominated the four events which they entered - claiming three gold and one silver medal.
In the 12 years and under event, Rugby's pairing of Charlie Faulkner and Olivia Walker simply out-classed their rivals to record an impressive victory.
Alice Old and Charlotte Powers secured first place in the 13-year-old category, a result which was repeated by Lucy Rouse and Megan Walsh swimming in the under 17 event.
Rugby also claimed a silver medal with Kiani Jeacock and Phoebe Walsh finishing a very close second in the Open age group.
Results from the last two weekends should provide Rugby's talented young squad with the confidence to progress further and replicate their successes through the up-coming Skills Assessments; grading levels which are required for entry into Regional and National Competitions to be held in the second half of the year.
Ever thought about what is involved in the Olympic Sport of Synchronised Swimming? Find out for yourself - contact Hannah Dudley: dudz23@hotmail.com.
