It was her first competition of this magnitude, but just like so many times before, Victoria Machniak brought home gold.
The Canadian Prairie Invitational Synchronized Swimming Championships were held last weekend in Regina. Over 250 athletes, coaches, judges, volunteers and spectators attended or competed in the national event. It was the perfect opportunity for Victoria to win her fifth gold in seven years of competition. This one in the Special Olympics Solo event.
"I'm extremely proud, and the medal is beautiful, she was very impressed," said Linda Machniak, Victoria's mother.
This is the first year a competition of this size has been open to Special Olympians, but the added pressure didn't affect Victoria, scoring three marks higher than she did at the provincial meet.
"I never know if she's nervous or not because she never really says. She always seems so confident when she steps out on the pool-deck to start her routine," said Linda.
The medal is glamorous, but it was the little things in a big competition Victoria enjoyed the most.
"At this particular meet she was most excited about marching in with all of the athletes in the march of athletes to begin the competition. She was very proud to do that," said Linda.
Victoria always loved the water, but it wasn't until one of her school teachers recommended synchronized swimming, saying Victoria "swims like a mermaid," that Linda thought to put her daughter in the sport. Now with five gold medals and two silver medals in 10 years since joining the North Battleford Water Doves club, it's looking like the idea paid off.
What's next for Victoria? Well, she's already started choosing songs for next year's routine, where she will be looking to repeat and add yet another gold medal to her already impressive resumé.
