WC Aquanuts represent Team USA in Mexico

Twelve Walnut Creek Aquanuts, ages 15 to 19, represented the United States of America in the highly prestigious FINA Synchronized Swimming World Trophy Cup Championships in Mexico City, Mexico, from Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

The Aquanuts team was the youngest World Trophy Cup team competing against 8 National/Olympic teams and another Club Team from Moscow. The Aquanuts placed 7th over all “” ahead of teams from the Netherlands, Great Britain and Brazil.

Walnut Creek honored its host with a Mexican-themed Highlight Routine that included full traditional costuming complete with ruffled skirts and sombreros. It showcased many lifts and throws in addition to unconventional props and costuming. The crowd went wild when Sandra Ortellado of Carondelet-Concord pulled a Mexican flag out of her suit, waiving it proudly while on top of the first lift.

The Aquanuts Trophy Cup team coached by Kim Probst (WCA Head Coach), Tammy McGregor (Juniors/Seniors WCA Coach, 2011 U.K. National Team Coach), and Olga Kouznetsova (WCA Coach) prepared several routines.

The Aquanuts’ highlight of the competition had to be defeating the Russian team with a burlesque routine in the Thematic Team Event. Besides the incredible speed and precision of the routine, Sofia Bouzos (also of Carondelet) dazzled the FINA and celebrity judges with her rhythmic gymnastics on deck and atop the lift.

“The competition was exciting, the Mexican hospitality was wonderful, and the WCA athletes did a great job representing the USA,” Probst said through a press release.

 The Aquanuts Trophy Cup roster included: Jasmine Carillo (15); Karina Boyle (16); Rina Horii (16); Sandra Ortellado (16);  Alexa Tchekmarev (18), Sofia Bouzos (17) ““ all from Walnut Creek; as well as Remy Mink (15, Alamo),  Lizzie Welzien (16, San Ramon), Morgan Boneburg (17, Clayton), Sarah House (17, Lafayette), Jamie Kuchan (17, Mesa, AZ), and McKinzie Chelberg (19, St. Paul, MN).

“” SportStars Staff