Synchro swimmers sure about podium goals

Anyone who has seen synchronised swimming at any level knows the sport is just as much about athletic fitness as it is about creativity. Keeping a routine is like keeping a state secret.

“No-one has seen our freestyle programme, so we really want to show it off,” says two-time Olympian Elise Marcotte, 23, of L’Ancienne-Lorette QC.

Marcotte and her duet partner Marie-Pier Boudreau Gagnon, 29, of Riviere-du-Loup, QC are participating both in the duet and team event.

In 2011 at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, the duo won gold and both ladies were part of Canada’s gold medal team as well.

“We want medals,” said Gagnon. “We are going to put on a good performance.”

Most of the ladies on the team competed in Beijing and know what to expect from the Olympic stage. There, the team missed the podium by one spot and want redemption.

On Tuesday, Marcotte and Boudreau Gagnon held their fourth-place standing after an impressive preliminary freestyle duet programme.

“Today, the girls did a perfect performance, their best swim ever for the free duet routine,” said coach Julie Sauve.  “We would have liked higher marks, but we are now looking toward the final tomorrow.”

Duet finals are at 10 a.m. EST Tuesday and the team event begins on Thursday .

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