In this article detailing 7 Skills of Elite Sales Professionals, the first skill listed is “INCREDIBLE RAPPORT.” My favorite part of the article goes like this:
“If you’d like to acquire incredible rapport skills you’re going to have to practice, but you’ll be surprised how quickly they develop, given the right practice! One exercise that you can do is, believe it or not, practiced by synchronised swimming teams each time they perform.
These teams need to be “in synch” if they are to perform in synchronised precision. They take time before each performance to stand in a circle and really connect with each other, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.”
Yep…that’s called a “think through.”
The 2004 U.S. Synchronized Swimming team during a “think through” in a scene from Sync or Swim.
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U.S. Synchro released a statement this week about the frightening near-drownings of several Seattle synchro swimmers last month. Here’s the statement in its entirety:
May 6, 2008
As you may have heard or read, on April 21 an incident occurred in Seattle, Washington, involving members of the Seattle Aqua Club. During a practice, four swimmers lost consciousness for unknown reasons and were transported to the hospital for examination. Fortunately, all of them were subsequently released and are doing well.
The County Department of Public Health is continuing its investigation in an effort to determine the actual cause of this incident. USSS members should note that incidents where an athlete of any age loses consciousness are rare, and can be the result of any number of conditions. Incidents where several athletes simultaneously lose consciousness are virtually non-existent.
However, it is for incidents such as this that U.S. Synchronized Swimming requires that our coaches maintain certifications through the American Red Cross and be certified in CPR. Reports of how the rescue of all swimmers was handled were very complimentary of the skills of the coach and lifeguards present. The report of the County’s investigation will be reviewed as soon as it is available, and lessons that can be learned from the County’s findings will be communicated to all USSS adult members as soon as possible.
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Sync or Swim director Cheryl Furjanic and 2008 Olympians Andrea Nott and Christina Jones (Andrea is featured in Sync or Swim)!
Kenyon Smith on deck.
Sara Lowe waits for her scores.
More deckwork.
Sara Lowe’s Dad paid homage to his daughter’s Olympic win…in ink.
What to do when your two daughters swim for competing teams!
A common problem, I’d imagine.
The Parade of Athletes.
The Stanford synchro coaches after being thrown in the pool by their National Champions!
Biggest Loser Winner (and former Arizona synchro swimmer) Ali Vincent, 2008 Olympians Andrea Nott and Christina Jones, and Cheryl Furjanic.
More pictures from Nationals here.
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One of my favorite things about traveling is…SkyMall Magazine. On my way to Tucson this weekend I saw this great ad for a different kind of nose clip.
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Stanford University swept the Solo, Duet and Team competitions with Sara Lowe (a 2004 Olympian who appears in Sync or Swim) medaling in all three. Alison Bartosik (another member of the 2004 Olympic team featured in Sync or Swim) is the assistant coach of Stanford! Congrats to Sara, Alison and all of the swimmers who competed.
Here are the results of the 2008 U.S. Synchronized Swimming National Championships:
SOLO
1. Stanford University - Sara LOWE
2. Canisius College - Natalia TARASOVA
3. Santa Clara Aquamaids - Kenyon SMITH
DUET
1. Stanford University - Sara LOWE & Courtenay STEWART
2. Santa Clara Aquamaids - Bianca VAN DER VELDEN & Sonja VAN DER VELDEN
3. Santa Clara Aquamaids - Kenyon SMITH, Layla SMITH
TEAM
1. Stanford University
2. The Ohio State University
3. Santa Clara Aquamaids
In addition, Stanford and Santa Clara each scored 40 points and ended up sharing the overall National Championship Title. I’m still not exactly sure what this means but apparently it’s very rare and was surprising to everyone.
More pictures to come!!!
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