Optima Synchro, a local artistic swimming team that represents the Merrimack Valley, recently competed in Mesa, Arizona at the U.S. 13-15 Championships and 12 and Under Invitational, and soon after at the U.S. National and Junior Championships. Taking necessary COVID-19 precautions, more than 350 swimmers from all over the country were able to come together and compete for the first time at a national competition in over a year.
In fact, for many teams, this was the first in-person competition held since the start of the pandemic. Swimmers have been working hard for months amidst uncertainty to showcase their routines and skills at virtual competitions and at this past National Championship. After a year, teams competed over a span of one week, vying for national titles.
Optima Synchro, led by head coach Svetlana Malinovskaya, earned several medals and top spots. Optima Synchro was represented by Nishi Amin, Sofia Benayoud, Sasha Alexandra Kirianov, Nadia Lee, Abigail Zarayski, Kaya Mangani, Xavia Banigan, Natalie Taylor, Noelle Lee, Polina Malinovskaya, Katie MacDonald, and Julia Paradis. The swimmers competed for titles in figures, solo, duet, and team.
Here are the Optima results:
12U SOLO: 10th place: Sasha Alexandra Kirianov
12U DUET: 7th place: Sasha Alexandra Kirianov and Nadia Lee
12U TEAM: 3rd place: Nishi Amin, Sofia Benayoud, Sasha Alexandra Kirianov, Nadia Lee, Abigail Zarayski, and Kaya Mangani
JUNIOR TECH DUET: 13th place: Polina Malinovskaya and Julia Paradis
JUNIOR FREE DUET: 15th place: Polina Malinovskaya and Julia Paradis
Optima Synchro practices three hours a day, three to five days a week at local pools. For more information, contact head coach Svetlana Malinovskaya at optimasynchro@gmail.com or 978-809-7150.