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 the New Canaan YMCA’s Emmanuella ‘Emma’ Tchakmakjian.
Tchakmakjian began her aquatics career taking swim lessons at the New Canaan Y, and by age five transitioned to the Y’s synchronized swimming program. Admittedly, she has always had ambitions of Olympic glory, and immediately fell in love with synchronized swimming. Tchakmakjian said her favorite part about swimming with the Aquianas has been the “positive vibes and no negativity” atmosphere that can be found at the YMCA. The Aquianas coaching staff and team are excited to cheer on Tchakmakjian as she continues to pursue her dream at the National Training Center in Moraga, Cal.
Tchakmakjian, 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,” said Jen Muzyk, synchronized swimming director at the New Canaan Y. “When she sets her mind to achieving a certain goal nothing will stop her from accomplishing it.”
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