Olympians Rose Stackpole, Danielle Kettlewell, Amie Thompson and Deb Tsai have all earned medals at the Synchronised Swimming Australian Championships in Melbourne.
The athletes who were all part of Australia’s Olympic team at the 2016 Rio Games were in action last weekend as the build up to the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest gains pace.
Stackpole claimed national title honours in the Open Solo Technical campaign, taking gold ahead of fellow West Australian Deb Tsai, who is now based in Melbourne.
Kettlewell earned her national championship title in the Open Solo Free routine, with training partner Thompson taking silver.
Stackpole won a second championship title in the Open Duet Technical event, teaming with Thompson for an impressive routine accompanied to the Rolling Stones’ classic Paint It Black.
There was also a club championship title for West Coast Splash, led by coach Brianna Preiss underlining a highly successful national campaign for Western Australia that included further medals in junior ranks.
With Stackpole opting for surgery on a wrist complaint and Tsai focusing on studies in 2017, both athletes have decided against seeking selection for the Australian team at this year’s World Championships.
Kettlewell and Thompson however, are expected to form part of the national team for the titles that will be held in Hungary between July 14-30.
