Ready for some current affairs? We’re talking water, not politics. Synchronised swimming is about to become big news, being put on the global map by an incredible group of people who share a Bristol connection – from the world-class athletes going for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to an award-winning photographer whose work has been used across the host French city to promote the sport
What do Henleaze Lake, Team GB athlete Kate Shortman and photographer Eva Watkins have in common? Well, apart from all being in, born in or having studied in Bristol (Watkins is an alumna of the University of West England), they’ve all made an impact on the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, which officially begin on 26 July and wrap up on 11 August.
Plus, they’ve all been involved with synchronised swimming – or artistic swimming as it’s now known in the sporting world.
Shortman (who’s currently studying at the University of Bath) – and her fellow artistic swimming partner Izzy Thorpe – have been making waves in the sport already, with their sights firmly set on gold at the upcoming games as part of Team GB.
At the recent European Championships in Belgrade, the pair secured silver in both the Tech Duet and Free Duet competitions, following on from their silver and bronze at the World Championships in February and Tech Duet gold at last month’s Olympic Test Event in Paris. Outside of the professional sport, and waist-deep in cold water is Almost Synchro, a team of artistic swimmers – who are mostly females aged 50 and above – who have been training, improving their wellbeing and generally having a wonderful time at Henleaze Lake after first coming together there to mark the water’s centenary in 2019.
Watkins, having photographed the group for a project, which you can read about in a moment, had her images (above) of the synchro swimmers featured on billboards across the Paris Metro as part of a city-wide celebration of sport in preparation for the Olympics’ arrival this summer. And there you have it – our city has provided three fantastic offerings that will help put synchronised swimming on the global map, and each has shared their thoughts with The Bristol Magazine about their hopes for the future of the sport and how it’s impacted their lives…
THE PHOTOGRAPHER: EVA WATKINS
“I began this project in my final year of university in 2019-2020. I have always enjoyed creating work with groups of people doing something unique. My university tutor at the time, Liz Banks, told me about the synchronised swimming team she performs with in lakes/ponds/the sea called Almost Synchro.
“As someone who loves wild and cold-water swimming, working with them on a project felt like a perfect fit. Something that became very apparent during this project was their bond with one another as a group, cheering each other on to brave the cold water. They taught me how important it is to have those around you for support. We spoke a lot about the physical and mental benefits they’ve experienced since forming the team, how being in the water releases oxytocin.
“Seeing my work in the Paris Metro stations in promotion of the Olympics was something I never imagined would happen to me. Despite visiting Paris to see it on display, I’m still in disbelief and find it incredibly surreal. I am hugely thankful to Almost Synchro for allowing me to create work with them, and to Fisheye and RATP for giving me the opportunity to display my work in such a fantastic way.”
THE SYNCHRO SWIMMER: VIX ELLIS
“Synchro swimming, and being part of Almost Synchro, has given me renewed confidence. I’m about to hit 50 (I’m the baby of the group!) and so many women I know are really struggling with transitioning into this next stage of their lives.
“But I feel better than I ever have done, physically and mentally, and synchro has definitely played a big part.
“For years I wouldn’t wear shorts, I was so self-conscious about my bottom half, and now I’m performing, parading around the streets in protests and appearing on national TV in just my swimming costume! Being part of a team, being challenged, staying fit, being in the water all year round, wearing matching costumes and hats is like being a child again… but better. We’re challenging social stereotypes, championing body positivity, dancing in the water and having a right laugh along the way. Hopefully, Eva’s brilliant pictures, the connection with the Paris Olympics and recent coverage of Almost Synchro will inspire more people to get their own groups together, get in the water and give it a go. Synchro is for everyone, it doesn’t need to be competitive or serious and there’s something really special about being part of a team. I honestly believe that ‘proper’ synchro is the most challenging sport there is. It’s time everyone got behind it and showed it the respect it deserves.”
THE TEAM GB ATHLETE: KATE SHORTMAN
“My favourite aspect is the artistry and beauty of the sport. All swimmers really put their heart into the performance and it is such a strong and kind community so everyone is supporting each other and can appreciate moves which are particularly difficult and artistic.
“I’m expecting the Paris Olympics to be a very different experience to our last Games. Tokyo, regardless of Covid-19, was the best experience of my life so far! It was incredible to have achieved a lifelong dream and we were just ecstatic to be a part of the team. This time around, we are training with a much higher ranking within our reach due to the rule change and hope to achieve a historic result, so the focus is different but we are still trying to enjoy every moment as much as possible. It is still a small sport, but one which is gaining a lot of traction and engagement, so to be a part of that and know that it is just the beginning is really exciting to see where it will go. Team GB trains at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre and anyone who wants to try should enquire at City of Bristol Synchro Club.”
almostsynchro.com; @evawatkinsphoto; teambath.com
