Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire profile picture

Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire

Let's talk about synchro, baby!

About Me


Well, let's see...how about a synopsis of my synchro experience?
Also, my profile name...it's pretty much tongue-in-cheek, don't take it too seriously,lol!
One more thing, regarding FRIEND REQUESTS...I usually search for people who have listed synchronized swimming as one of their interests. If I've sent you a friend request and you want to decline it, no problem, but I may accidentally request your friendship again when I do more searches! If you want to avoid that, please feel free to BLOCK me :o( I don't want to annoy anyone!
* Started synchronized swimming at age 13 and continued until age 18. Competed at the high school, regional, and national Junior Olympic level.
* Really missed synchronized swimming while at the University of Iowa, so after a few years of partying, I mean studying, decided to reorganize the sport there. Competed in a few basic meets and refounded the sport at the U of Iowa.
* After graduating from the U of Iowa, competed at the Masters level (1996 - Minnesota team & 1997 - 2000 with the AquaSprite Masters, Illinois) as well as participated in IAAA (International Academy of Aquatic Art, with the Northbrook YMCA) which has it's roots in synchro but has developed into more of an aquatic expression forum.
* Moved to Berlin, Germany in 2001 and competed with the S.C. Wedding Berlin Verein at the Masters level in Germany.
Knut is so cute!!! (from the Berlin Zoo) :o).
* Last competition was in 2004 in Riccione, Italy for the FINA World Masters Synchronized Swimming competition. Didn't do as well as I had hoped (13th out of 18th in my solo category), but considering that I pretty much coached myself, I guess I did alright.
* Have been involved in other artistic realms since that time (belly dancing), but I continuously get drawn back to synchro. It's my first LOVE! Currently, do not belong to a team here, but am getting myself back into shape. I have my sights set for 2008 (if there is going to be a World Masters for synchro again).
* Latest NEWS!!! February 9, 2007 - I just found a new club in Berlin to swim with "P.S.V. Berlin - Polizei-Sport-Verein Berlin". Cool, huh? I thought I had to be a policewoman to join the club, but it's open membership. I just had my first practice with them on Wednesday night and they seem like a very nice group of people! My arms and legs are still sore! I'd love to continue swimming with them. Wish me luck!
And if you want to know more about me, I have another profile where you can kinda get a gist of my personality, click here:
Christine, US Ambassador of Love

My Interests

Well, other than synchronized swimming, I like to travel, write, have fun, meet new people, have new experiences!

*** FOR SALE *** FOR SALE *** FOR SALE ***

* I'm selling some items to try and raise funds so I can go to Perth, Australia and participate in the 2008 World Masters competition - check out my feedback on eBay.com (ID user: synchro1)

If interested, please contact me for prices & shipping! :o)

*** LOOKING FOR *** LOOKING FOR ***

* I collect SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING MEMORABILIA - specifically, old books and synchronized swimming pins. If you have any of these, please let me know and if you would like to trade!

* I'm not interested in paying cash for these items, since I need to save up my money for Worlds, but I will TRADE the following: New (mint) condition (never displayed) Beanie Babies AND Handmade Jewelry (I make beaded bracelets, anklets, barrettes, decorations for cell phones & and clip-on decorations for purses / zippers).

* I also collect books with "Water Ballet", "Creative Swimming", "Ornamental Swimming" and "Rhythmic Swimming" listed.

I'm documenting my journey back into competitive synchronized swimming! Read all about it at my blog (just click on the banner to subscribe!)

Myspace Layouts

I'd like to meet:

I'm open to meeting most anyone, but with this profile, I really hope to recontact people I used to swim with, and make new contacts in the world of synchronized swimming.

This profile is also a "BAND FRIENDLY" profile!!! yippee!!! Basically, a major component in the sport of synchronized swimming, is the use of MUSIC. If you show me the love and request my friendship, I'll show it back!

I guess since I'm kinda stranded out here in no-man's-land of synchro, that I feel the great need to contact those who are currently actively involved. So, I can live vicariously through your experiences! :o)

Just a quick note....IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO NORMALLY LAUGHS WHEN SOMEONE TELLS YOU THAT THEY ARE IN SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING, DON'T BOTHER SENDING ME A FRIEND REQUEST!

********************************

WANTED: Is there anyone in Berlin who is a synchro swimmer who would like to practice sometime??? :o) If so, let me know!

SYNCHRONSCHWIMMERIN SUCHT SYNCHRONSCHWIMMER/IN: Gibt es ein/e Synchronschimmer/in in der Nähe von Berlin, der/die mit mir schwimmen möchtet??? :o) Bitte gib mir Bescheid!

[Glitterfy.com - *Glitter Maker*]

Music:

I like pretty much EVERYTHING!

Here is a list of some of my favorite bands...

* The Nosies

* Clear Hard Knox Gelatin

* The Beer Goggles

* Underwater Mermaids from Hell

* Synchin' to the Oldies

* Air for Sale

* Sparkly Shiny Things

* Raise Your Toes High

* The Gelheads

Check out my Geocities Synchrodoll Website!

Movies:

I'm open to seeing any movie at least ONCE.

This clip from Saturday Night Live is absolutely classic! :o) Enjoy!

Synchronized Swimming

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ALSO....Check me out on YOU TUBE!!!

Television:

Reality t.v. is where it's at!

Books:

Reading an awesome book right now called "A Confederacy of Dunces". Would definately recommend!!!
Click to zoom in on my visitor map!
Read my old blogs HERE!!!!
1. The Pain of Getting Back Into Shape
2. Starting From Square One, Relearning the Basics
3. Swimming Through the Pain and It's Little Rewards
4. Choosing Music and Creating a Theme (I need your help)
5. Twisting myself into a pretzel and other joys
6. 6 Underwater Related Things About ME
7. The End of a Season and My Skill-Level Test
8. What's Your Take on Men in Synchronized Swimming?
9. First Day of Self-Training and Zero Accomplished
10. My Old School Got First in State!!! woohooo!!!! (Time for a little nostaligia...)
11. There's No Turning Back Now!!!
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Heroes:

In the world of synchronized swimming, I'd like to list my influences...

Esther Williams - her films were my first exposure to the beauty of synchronized swimming!

Tracie Ruiz-Conforto - I remember her from the Summer Olympics in 1984, she inspired me to start synchronized swimming!

Also, I remember seeing her at the Natl. Junior Olympics competition in San Antonio (in 1989 I think?) and she seemed very nice and down-to-earth. :o)

Tracie Ruiz & Candie Costie

Beulah Gundling - She was a pioneer in the sport of synchronized swimming and promoted this sport at the international level. After reading her book, I contacted her and we corresponded. She was always kind, engaging and supportive in her letters to me.

Beulah Gundling
1916 - 2003

My Blog

A Game: "Finish my solo choreography" or DARE

O.K. Here's the deal. I still have not finished the choreography for my free solo. It's half written, the other half is essentially in my head, but nothing concrete or on paper. I really should have f...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 03:03:00 PST

I get by with a lot of help from my friends

Yesterday, I was feeling really unmotivated to swim. We have no air conditioning in our office here (this is pretty much the standard in Berlin, maybe even Germany, to have NO air conditioning becaus...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:41:00 PST

The Countdown Starts Now!

Well, tomorrow is August 1st and that means that in approximately 1 month, I will be competing with my solo at the European Masters competition in Kranj, Slovenia&.oh my...   This competition wi...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:44:00 PST

Latest synchro blurbs in my life....

Well, I've decided to take a mini-break and go to Amsterdam this weekend with my friend Britta. I'm looking forward to the change of pace and hopefully when I get back, I'll be refreshed and able to f...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:45:00 PST

There's No Turning Back Now!!!

I don't think I mentioned it before, but I decided awhile back that I was going to try and compete at the European Masters Swimming Championships in August this year. Here's the story, which gives a ...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:27:00 PST

My Old School Got First in State!!! woohooo!!!! (Time for a little nostaligia...)

I was just searching around the internet this past week and discovered that my old high school, Wayzata, took 1st place at the Minnesota State Meet this year on May 25th. This is the first time in t...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:55:00 PST

First Day of Self-Training and Zero Accomplished

Well, I had just written a blog about today's experience and then through the wonders of MySpace, it was all erased! I wasn't going to rewrite it, but it's like my documentation of all of my trials a...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Sun, 17 Jun 2007 04:18:00 PST

What's Your Take on Men in Synchronized Swimming?

I think that when most people think of men participating in synchronized swimming, the first thing that comes to mind is this clip from Saturday Night Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 04:16:00 PST

The End of a Season and My Skill-Level Test

I haven't really written much lately, because essentially, there was nothing too new to report. I was experiencing some hurdles, trying to get myself eligible to be able to compete. Part of me wanted ...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:52:00 PST

6 Underwater Related Things About ME

So, mister Dr. Jones tagged me! No problemo, I love these things! Basically, I just have to name 6 things about myself. I thought I would adjust it to underwater related things (keeping in line with ...
Posted by Christine, Synchro Swimmer Extraordinaire on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 07:03:00 PST