Good Friday, March 29: Y Open 5:30 AM-3:30 PM  |  Easter Sunday, March 31: Y Closed

New Canaan YMCA

Aquiana Named to Senior National Training Team

Aquiana Named to Senior National Training Team

The Rio Olympics are less than a month away, but United States Synchronized Swimming is already looking to the future as they name the first group of athletes to make the U.S. Senior National Training squad for the 2020 Olympic Games. There were six girls named to the squad this spring, among them was the Y’s Emmanuella “Emma” Tchakmakjian.

Emma began her aquatics career taking swim lessons Y, and by age five transitioned to the synchronized swimming program. Admittedly, she has always had ambitions of Olympic glory, and immediately fell in love with the sport. Emma says her favorite part about swimming with the Aquianas has been the “positive vibes and no negativity” atmosphere that can be found at the Y. The Aquianas and Y staff are beyond excited to cheer her on as she continues to pursue her dream at the National Training Center in Moraga, CA.

Emma, previously a member of the U.S. 13-15 National Team, won gold at the 2015 UANA Pan American Championships. She, along with the New Canaan Aquianas, also earned gold in team at the East Zone 13-15 Age Group Championships, as well as silver in the solo and duet.

“We are really excited and proud of Emma,” says Jen Muzyk, Synchronized Swimming Director. “When she sets her mind to achieving a certain goal nothing will stop her from accomplishing it.”

Emma’s aspirations do not stop with the 2020 Olympic Games; she hopes to attend an Ivy League university, and admits she may also have her eyes on the White House in the future. It seems the sky is the limit for this young athlete.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Synchronized Swimming program at the New Canaan YMCA, please contact Valerie Jolibois at 203-966-4528 ext. 153 or [email protected].

IMG_4124