Gold Coast Mermaids to make a splash in overseas synchronised swimming competitions

IT’S one of the most graceful water sports, but behind closed doors is a gruelling training schedule for the best synchronised swimmers the Gold Coast has to offer.

IT’S one of the most graceful water sports, but behind closed doors is a gruelling training schedule for the best of the best.

And for six of the city’s elite synchronised swimmers, learning a range of other disciplines such as acrobatics, ballet, drama, yoga, gymnastics and even crossfit is just part of becoming a Gold Coast Mermaid.

This flair is also thanks to drama classes, acrobatics and even crossfit. Photo by Richard Gosling

Rachel Presser, Kirsten Kinash, Nikita Pablo from the senior team. Photo by Richard Gosling

One of the group’s youngest members, 14-year-old Georgia Courage-Gardiner said the specialised training was helpful in getting their technique just right.

“It’s really helpful to do it on land, so when you’re in the water it’s more comfortable,” she said.

Georgia is just of six local women who will be competing overseas as part of the 12-member Australian national team.

Maria Nadezhdina, Milena Waldmann and Georgia Courage-Gardiner, part of the 13-15 years team. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I’m really excited, it’s my first international competition,” Georgia said, adding she would be competing with the team and in a duet.

“I practice four times a week, for three to four hours.”

While she will be heading to the Mediterranean Cup in Portugal alongside two other team mates, senior team member Nikita Pablo, 22, will be flying over to Budapest to compete in July in the FINA World Championships.

Maria Nadezhdina, Rachel Presser, Milena Waldmann, Kirsten Kinash, Nikita Pablo, Sue-Ann Lim, Georgia Courage-Gardiner. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I’ve just come back from a competition in Spain and am now getting ready for Budapest,” she said. “I’m super excited.”

Head coach of the Southport-based Gold Coast Mermaids, Marina Kholod, said swimmers practised up to 30 hours a week alongside school, work or study.

“It’s one of the hardest sports I may say,” she said.

The girls practice up to 30 hours a week alongside work, school or studies. Photo by Richard Gosling

“(With) everything you do, you’re holding your breath and upside down.”

Ms Kholod said it was an accomplishment as a coach to fulfil the women’s potential and said with hard work team members could become Olympic athletes.

A third junior team will go to New York at the end of June for the US Open.