Synchronized swimming is tough and a local team from Tampa shows ABC Action News just how tough

TAMPA - Every Saturday, Ellen McNamara features an amateur athlete or athletes from the Bay Area. This weekend she introduces you to a synchronized swimming team from Tampa.

Every move is in sync for the Tampa Bay Synch Rays.

"Usually they tell us that your muscle memory should be good enough that you can swim your routine with your eyes closed," Jennie Hamilton said.

While many girls practice with their goggles, during performances they are not allowed, and despite what you may think, synchronized swimmers never touch the bottom of the pool.

"The shallowest pool we've competed in is 9 feet," Coach Lisbeth Moore said.

Jennie Hamilton has been on the team for the last nine years, and just got back from nationals.

Hamilton became interested in the sport because her grandmother once performed. However, the 18 year old says the sport is completely different now.

"They didn't do any competitions then, they only did shows," Hamilton said.

When you watch the team practice you see how tough it is.

"I've been in physical therapy twice for my shoulders," Hamilton said.

Coach Moore, who started the team about 30 years ago, says synchronized swimming is like trying to do a gymnastics floor routine or ice skating routine all while holding your breath. Swimmers are also upside down and on their back.

Moore fell in love with the sport in college.

"It's where the science of exercise meets the creativity of the arts and blends it all into one," Moore said.

The team of about 30 are in the pool three days a week. Although teams are not common at the collegiate level yet, the sport continues to grow. Many girls in the pool now will also likely become coaches in the future.

"Our coaches are all volunteers, so there has always an the expectation that once you graduate and move on you will find a team or come back to this team and coach," Hamilton said.

To let Ellen know about an athlete you would like to see featured, email her at ellen@abcactionnews.com or go to her journalist facebook page and click "like."

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