Express & Star

Walsall duo to mix it with the world’s best

Walsall Synchronised Swimming Club members are heading to World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships in Slovakia later this month.

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The event takes place at the X-Bionic Sphere resort, which boasts facilities and training for 27 Olympic disciplines.

Swimmers Robyn Swatman and Olivia Baker have been selected to represent the youth Team GB in the team and duet categories, with Robyn also competing in the solo event, hoping to bring home a medal to the UK.

Head coach Amy Baker has been heavily involved with the preparations and training, and has been acting as assistant coach for Team GB.

The opening ceremony will take place on August 27 with the competitive days taking place between August 28 and September 1.

Head coach Amy Baker said: “The girls have worked incredibly hard throughout 2019 in the build-up to their biggest competition of their synchro career so far.

“It has been wonderful for me to work alongside a world level coach who has helped me immensely with my coaching, as well as helping my swimmers.

“We hope they have their best swims out in Slovakia at the first ever World FINA Youth Championships representing Walsall and of course Team GB.”

Meanwhile, the club rounded off the season with more success at the Swim England Combo Cup, held at the London Aquatics Centre.

Over 1,000 competitors from 40 clubs across the UK competed with Walsall claiming silver in the Division Two 13-15 age group and bronze in the 12 and under Division 2 category. The club finished fourth overall.