Hungry to grow synchro after Hungary adventure

Strugnell and Manners-Wood competed together in the technical duet and the free duet events.

City Times sports journalist Logan Green caught up with Strugnell to ask some questions about their recent experience in Eastern Europe and about the aquatic sport in general.

LG: What was it like building up towards the champs? You competed at the Austrian Open and also trained for a week in Slovakia. How much preparation went into it?

LS: This time we tried to take a slightly different approach by competing at the Austrian Open and then taking a week to train with the Slovakian national team in Bratislava at the Olympic Training Centre. This gave us a chance to pack in over four hours of just synchro-specific training which we cannot get at home due to the lack of heated pools. We had a couple months of solid routine training and over a year of training with our strength and conditioning coach Tyrell Allies into the lead up to World Champs.

LG: Tell me about Hungary and the experience there?

LS: Hungary is a very old city with so many magnificent buildings. We arrived at a pool with a castle as the backdrop which has been the best location for world champs by far.

LG: What was the vibe like there and what was the reaction to synchronised swimming from the Hungarian supporters?

LS: Hungarians are similar to South Africans. They are laid back and most are friendly. They were incredibly supportive and most of the events were sold out.

LG: How have you changed and developed as a synchronised swimmer since your last Fina World Champs in Russia?

LS: With our new strength and conditioning coach on board we have changed our overall strength and mind-set. Our bodies have changed and become more like the elite athletes who we compete against. We have put in a lot more time outside of the water, but trying to juggle training and work is not easy and holds us back from our full potential.

LG: The sport is still not that familiar with most South Africans. What is being done and what needs to be done to enhance its reputation and grow it in the country?

LS: It is still so hard for such a small sport to get recognition. We need more support from our local media like newspapers and television. Unfortunately, we had to post videos of our swims on our Facebook page as our events were not broadcast in South Africa. We are starting to grow and expand in schools and disadvantaged areas in Cape Town, but it will take a couple of years to build up.

LG: What was the goal for you in the technical duet and the free duet events?

LS: We aimed for an overall score of seven, but this was difficult to achieve as we have not been to enough international competitions this year.

LG: You were not the only South Africans participating in Hungary. Tell me about the other South Africans.

LS: Yes, we had a young team of eight girls joining us this time at world champs. They did well despite having a tough time getting to train together as they live in different provinces.

LG: What are your goals going forward in the sport?

LS: I am 25 years old and have been in this sport for a good 17 years and will most likely be involved for another 17 years to come.

WATCH a VIDEO of the duo in action at the championships:

ALSO READ:

https://www.citizen.co.za/benoni-city-times/224479/strugnell-represents-sa-in-russiaorfrom-russia-with-synchronised-love/

https://www.citizen.co.za/benoni-city-times/47337/strugnell-flies-the-synchro-flag-in-barcelona/

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