In sync
By Louise Kinross
Lauren Daly, 18 (left), and Nicole Flynn, 16 (right), are synchronized swimming duet partners who compete across Canada. Synchro is a graceful and gruelling sport that combines swimming, dance and gymnastics.
In 2008 Nicole and Lauren qualified to compete in the Ontario-Quebec Cup against able-bodied swimmers. Nicole has Down syndrome and Lauren has cerebral palsy. “They’re disabled,” parents whispered when they first saw them at the meet. “That changed to: ‘Oh my, look at them!’ as the girls started swimming,” recalls Nicole’s mom Kathy.
In addition to training up to 17 hours a week on land and in water, Lauren is a lifeguard and Nicole is taking her Bronze Cross. They both have their G1 driving permits.
We talked about disability, what they’ve gotten out of synchro and future goals.
BLOOM: What was your greatest challenge growing up with a disability?
Nicole Flynn: I don’t have a disability. I have Down syndrome, but that doesn’t keep me from doing things.
Lauren Daly: When people look at you, especially in elementary school, and see you as different, and you have to come to terms with what people think of you and how to react. My parents and friends have been very supportive and I’ve also been involved in things like synchro and volunteering that allow me to highlight my strengths.
BLOOM: What practical advice would you offer other kids going through similar challenges?
Nicole Flynn: You can learn new things. It may be hard, but keep trying. Don’t give up!
Lauren Daly: Get involved in activities with people who share the same interests. That way, people who meet you don’t immediately think of your disability, but of what you can do. Your interests are a common ground. You have to keep going. It may take you longer or you might have to do something differently, but if you go in with 100 per cent, eventually you’ll get it. A quote I really like is: ‘The greatest satisfaction in life is doing what others think you can not.’
BLOOM: What have you gained from your involvement in synchro?
Nicole Flynn: My muscles are stronger and more flexible. My memory is stronger too. I have met a lot of people and have friends at synchro. I have also learned it takes a long time to learn to do things well. You have to focus and ‘want’ to change your mistakes to do things better. Sometimes the workouts are hard. I get tired and I don’t want to do anymore, but I push myself to keep going and not stop. I’m not allowed to touch the wall. I have to keep trying.
Lauren Daly: I joined synchro because my bones were growing faster than my muscles, which created an awkward walking gait for me. I think of it as a full physiotherapy session because we do everything – stretching, running, lengths and our figure drills. I gained a lot more control over my muscles and improved my gait. You learn how to move your body in a way that’s comfortable for you. I have no lower-body strength, and without synchro I never would have developed the strength to become a lifeguard.
BLOOM: Some people might think synchro would be a particularly difficult sport for people with disabilities. Was it?
Nicole Flynn: Synchro is a difficult sport for everyone. It was hard to learn to stay underwater without breathing. Remembering the routines was also a challenge.
BLOOM: What have you gained from your friendship and as athletes who swim together?
Nicole Flynn: Lauren and I spend time together. We talk, or we go to the movies or have dinner. I like to swim the duet with Lauren because we encourage each other. It’s more fun to do a routine with a partner. We laugh and figure out a way to fix our problems. Lauren and I have trouble counting the beats so we tap each other on the shoulder as our signal.
Lauren Daly: Nicole and I are a team and we’re very, very supportive of each other. We laugh and we have fun. Being in a duet with Nicole has given me a team experience I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
BLOOM: What are your goals for the future?
Nicole Flynn: I’d like to compete again at the Ontario-Quebec Cup and see how well we swim our routine together. I’d like to have a job and travel, and buy a convertible so my dog Cody and I could drive across Canada together. I might go to college to study drama and vocal. Cody and I are going to live in our own apartment and I will do my own cooking, shopping and laundry.
Lauren Daly: I’m going to France as an exchange student in February. After that, I’d like to go to university and become a French teacher. I’d also like to see synchro swimming put into the Paralympics and to promote better awareness of the sport as
a whole.
Nicole and Lauren train at Variety Village in Toronto.
