After a decades-long career in the coaching of synchronized swimming, Lorraine Valerino, has just had the outstanding opportunity to spend some time on the other side of the Atlantic, watching a team of young athletes give their best shot at an Olympic medal.
Artistic swimming, as the sport is now called, is a sport where swimmers perform a synchronized, choreographed routine in the pool, accompanied by music. Vallerino has been involved with the sport since the 1970s, and is currently attending her fourth Olympics.
The following are her words as she describes this week’s Olympic experience in Paris:
“From the intricately designed black wrought iron adorning most windows of cream-colored seven-story buildings to the cafes lining the streets, the bustling city of Paris actually brings a feeling of calm for this Polk Countian.
“While, this is my fourth and first non-English based Olympics, the energy from the tourists who have come to France from all corners of the globe— remains the same. The Olympics remain the best combination of sport, art, music, culture and pure fun found anywhere.
“Having been a grassroots age group artistic swimming coach for 40 years, attending Olympic-level competition is the equivalent of the Super Bowl for diehard football (and I don’t mean soccer) fans.
“As a member of the Winter Haven White Dolphins during the late 1960s-1978, I could not even conceive of ever attending an Olympics featuring my sport (also known as synchronized swimming). The sport, which has been in the Pan American Games championships since the 1950s — finally making it to the Olympic program in 1984.
“Last night’s technical team event (worth a third of the score needed to reach the medal stand) featured a capacity crowd cheering each country— but revealing country-alliances with the display of country colors and flags.
“I enjoy a personal connection to USA Artistic Swimming 3-time Olympian Anita Alvarez, who began her artistic swimming career with her hometown club— The Town of Tonawanda Aquettes, also the childhood team of her mother, Karen Alvarez.
“In 2019, while Alvarez was training for the duet event featured during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (moved to 2021 due to the pandemic), she came to Lakeland as my Lakeland YMCA Flamingo Synchro Team sponsored a state-wide clinic to generate funding to support her training.
“In addition to attending various Olympic events — strategically scattered throughout Paris — sports fans can take in all the Paris offers including the Lourve and the Chateau de Versailles.
“Life-changing flavors and textures await the palate at the hundreds of bakeries found almost every city block. In addition, classic French dishes and wines are available late into the night.
“During the cooler evening hours, the streets are filled with people strolling toward the Eiffel Tower — brought to life by thousands of sparkling lights. Within view is probably the most unique of Olympic cauldrons guarding the Olympic flame — what appears to be a hot-air balloon which slowly rising at dusk above Paris’ skyline.
“Adventures continue with visits to The Lourve and the Chateau de Versailles.”
