Brooks

Canadian Emily Brooks, who was recently appointed coach of Synchro Stars, one of Jamaica's leading synchronised swimming clubs, says she is impressed with the talent and the level of enthusiasm shown by the swimmers thus far.

Brought in by the club to assist local coach Amanda Eyre about a month ago, Brooks explained that since she has been here she has been exposing young swimmers at the club to the basics of the sport, and they have been responding quite well.

"So far, from what I have seen, they want to do well," said Brooks, who has been involved in synchronised swimming for 13 years, and has been coaching for five.

"I am here to bring expertise, and get them ready to compete at a high level, and if the girls continue to train and demonstrate an understanding of the work that needs to be done to be truly competitive, then Jamaica could do well in synchronised swimming in the future," she added.

raise the image

Synchronised swimmers in action at Bournemouth Bath in east Kingston. - Contributed

Bringing Brooks to Jamaica is the first in a series of planned events by Synchro Stars to raise the image and profile of the sport locally, and to ensure that Jamaica performs well at next year's Carifta Games, which will be held here in Kingston.

Headed by Diahann Campbell, Synchro Stars currently has 20 synchronised swimmers on their roster, most of whom will head to Minnesota, United States, next February to compete in an international tournament.

This tournament, according to Campbell, will be geared towards exposing the swimmers to the rigours and expectations of international competition.

Jada Brown (left) and Breann Campbell getting ready to enter the water at Bournemouth Bath in east Kingston.

"We are taking it seriously because we realise that there is a host of untapped athletic talent out there. Our immediate aim is the Carifta Championships, and as the host country we want to make a statement," said Campbell.

The Caribbean Islands Swimming Championship, which will be held in Cuba, and the Junior Pan Am Games will follow the Carifta Championships, and will also offer local synchronised swimmers the opportunity to grow.

Synchronised swimming, popularly known as 'synchro', is a hybrid form of swimming and works in sync with some of the following variables: music, water, technique and control.