Flamengo athlete wins first gold medal in Brazilian synchronized swimming
Giovana Stephan secured the highest place on the podium at the South American Games
By press office - in
Brazilian synchronized swimming won its first medal at the 2010 South American Games, competing for Flamengo. Flamengo athlete Giovana Stephan won gold in the freestyle solo event with her "Wizard of Oz" routine. However, the triumph only came after a fierce battle.
The Flamengo athlete also finished first on the technical floor, finishing ahead of Colombia's Asly Alegria Castellanos. The bronze medal went to Argentina's Etel Sanchez.
Knowing that she has faced great opponents, Giovana sees the sport growing in South America.
"I'm very pleased with the race I did. This is my first time competing in the Games, and I noticed that the athletes from Colombia and Argentina are also improving. The level was very good," said Giovana, who is already thinking about taking Flamengo's name to many podiums again.
"In September, we will have a very important competition in China, the FINA Cup. I want to participate well in this Cup and, after that, think about the Pan American Games (Guadalajara 2011) and the Olympic Games (London 2012)," said Giovana, the first Brazilian to compete in an individual final in the technical routine event, at a World Championship (Rome 2009).
The Flamengo athlete also finished first on the technical floor, finishing ahead of Colombia's Asly Alegria Castellanos. The bronze medal went to Argentina's Etel Sanchez.
Knowing that she has faced great opponents, Giovana sees the sport growing in South America.
"I'm very pleased with the race I did. This is my first time competing in the Games, and I noticed that the athletes from Colombia and Argentina are also improving. The level was very good," said Giovana, who is already thinking about taking Flamengo's name to many podiums again.
"In September, we will have a very important competition in China, the FINA Cup. I want to participate well in this Cup and, after that, think about the Pan American Games (Guadalajara 2011) and the Olympic Games (London 2012)," said Giovana, the first Brazilian to compete in an individual final in the technical routine event, at a World Championship (Rome 2009).