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New Canaan YMCA

Aquianas’ Sophia Shen Earns 2nd Place in the 2020 UANA Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge

Aquianas’ Sophia Shen Earns 2nd Place in the 2020 UANA Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge

The New Canaan YMCA is thrilled to announce that Sophia Shen, Aquianas synchronized swimmer, earned second place across the globe in the 12/under Union Americana De Natacion (UANA) Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge for land skills on Saturday, July 25.

Shen competed against 31 countries around the world, showcasing her land skills while representing the United States in her age category. The UANA Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge tested the accuracy of swimmers’ land skills including leg kicks, single leg “t” balance, split flexibility in a head stand, rapid pushups, and vertical jump.

“I was motivated for this challenge because this was an incredible opportunity to have, especially since we weren’t able to have meets in person, and it’s great to see everyone from around the world. Earning 2nd was great because it was an amazing accomplishment for me,” shared Shen.

Leading up to her qualification for the 12/under UANA Artistic Swimming Virtual Challenge, Shen placed first in the United States at the 12/under synchronized swimming National Team Trials in June and has been on the Y’s Aquianas synchronized swimming team for four years. Shen added, “I love artistic (synchronized) swimming because it is a team sport so I can practice with my friends, and it’s also a unique activity.”

Jen Muzyk, Director and Head Coach of the Y’s Aquianas synchronized swimming program, commented, “Sophia has always been extremely athletic both in and out of the water. She also has exceptional focus for someone her age. Given the combination of these things, I am not surprised at all that she did so well in this virtual competition. I am really looking forward to seeing her continue to develop as an artistic swimmer. Sophia has a bright future!”

For more information about the Y’s Aquianas synchronized swimming program, contact Jen Muzyk at [email protected].