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Athlete Profile: Anya

Published Wed 22 Jan 2025

How long have you been with Eastern Sirens?

I started Artistic Swimming 5 years ago with Eastern Sirens. I remember it as if it was yesterday!

Why did you join and what do you like about artistic swimming?

I have always been involved in sport and after giving birth to my youngest daughter I was willing to try out something challenging and check some new boundaries for myself. I remember I asked my husband what would he think if I go for the try out in Eastern Sirens, he was a bit shocked but supported me so much in my decision, and I am so grateful to him for that! I remember during my first tryout session with Eastern Sirens I was thinking of myself as sporty enough and after the first 15 minutes of what appeared to be a warm up I was absolutely exhausted

BUT from that same moment I knew that is exactly what I wanted to do and it hasn’t changed since! I love every aspect of it!

What has your journey been like so far?

It seems like I have been doing this all my life! Being in the water not only helps to improve the physical state of our body but balances our mental state as well. As soon as I jump in the water there is only water, my team and the coach and the whole philosophy behind it. Overcoming challenges, believing in yourselves, doing something that you have never thought would be possible, etc. I had never seen myself competing in this sport, but my kids inspired me so much being athletes from their heads to the tips of their toes, supported me and encouraged me to go on and compete. It is a fantastic experience I must say! So far I have competed in States and National Competitions and hopefully will be able to take it to the masters world cup this year.

Have there been any challenges?

Artistic Swimming is one big challenge for me

as well as for many masters swimmers I am sure! Starting this sport that late in life, not being physically flexible, self-taught swimming, juggling 3 kids, their multiple injuries and surgeries due to the specificity of the sport they have chosen, my own injuries and surgeries, nevertheless trying to find the time for something that you like is a big challenge however I am so happy I found this sport and regardless of the challenge it is worth it

What are your goals/what are you looking forward to at the Masters World Championships?

The goals list is pretty big starting from daily goals such as finding the time to stretch, actually stretch

learn routines, progress in elements gradually, etc to long-term goals such as compete in the masters World Championships. However it is never ending, I am just being happy where I am at the moment and following those goals of mine together with people I really love because without those people it would not be that enjoyable! During Masters I am really willing to try my best and feel the atmosphere, because during the competition even being so stressed and nervous the ambience is pretty addictive that you want to go back and experience it again and again and I only can imagine how it is at the world champs!

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