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Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August
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Lauren Smith, Team GB Synchronised Swimming
Why synchronised swimming deserves greater recognition
Lauren Smith, Team GB Synchronised Swimming
I first tried synchronised swimming when I was 11. I couldn't swim then, but I had done gymnastics for eight years so my teacher suggested I give it a go. I love synchronised swimming because it is so different and never gets boring. There are always new

Synchronised swimming is a superb sport as it involves all parts of the body and allows you to do ballet and gymnastics in the water. You need to be flexible, powerful and mentally tough. But you can also be creative and make up moves that you enjoy. My main inspiration is my first swimming coach, Adele Carsen. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I am even more excited about taking part in the Games in London since my second visit to the Olympic Park last week.

Synchronised Swimming group outside Aquatics Centre

The Park has come a long way since I last saw it, and London 2012 is going to be the most amazing event ever! Of course, I might be slightly biased seeing as it's in my home country! We are already in preparation with the help of some excellent coaches from Canada and Italy. In total, we are training around 42 hours a week, spending most of this time in the pool. And we are improving our ranking every year.

I'm really hoping that London 2012 raises the profile of synchronised swimming as at the moment it's not very popular. The sport really deserves some recognition as it is so unbelievably difficult and challenging. Please give it a go! Join a club!

Find out more about the sport and how you can get involved on the dedicated London 2012 page


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