Kamloops Sunrays senior solo swimmer Charlotte Ribalkin competes in the technical solo at the Canada Games Pool on Tuesday (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
ARTISTIC SWIMMING

Kamloops artistic swimmer content with first solo competition in her home pool

May 7, 2019 | 5:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Sunrays are hosting the national championships for the first time in their history.

On Tuesday, one of their competitors, Charlotte Ribalkin, took part in the senior solo technical event, placing eighth despite not having the same amount of pool time as her competitors.

“I guess the rest of my competitors I guess I did pretty good,” said Ribalkin. “A lot of the other girls that I compete against train almost double what I train. So, it’s kind of cool to see that through every competition this year I’ve gone up in my marks and I think the elements in my routine have also gotten stronger.”

Sunrays coaches have been impressed by Ribalkin, their only senior swimmer. They credit her high element scores on her strength and power which allowed her to hit positions with good height.

“I’m really proud of how she did today she did the best that she could she achieved her goals and as she mentioned had a great time swimming in front of her home town crowd,” said Sunrays assistant coach Disa Fladmark. “And I think she reached a pinnacle in her career today.”

Kamloops Sunrays senior solo artistic swimmer Charlotte Ribalkin competed in the national championships at home on Tuesday (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Ribalkin said she felt a charge competing in front of the home crowd which gave her boost in the pool.

“For me personally it really helped having a lot of supporters in the stands and a lot of people from the community come out to show their support for our club,” said Ribalkin.

Ribalkin competes in another solo event on Thursday. The Sunrays 13-15 team competes in its first event at the Canada Games Pool on Wednesday.