Cochrane athlete Adora Kruger is in Red Deer taking in other Canada Winter Games events after she and her Alberta teammates swept the artistic swimming medals only 24 hours ago.

Medalling is nothing new for this talented athlete, but this is one she holds special, she says.

"This one, I have to admit, is a lot more special since we were representing a bigger population than just our club. It's the whole province of Alberta so that makes it's super exciting. It's like marking history for us; it doesn't happen every day."

Certainly, this is one for the books for the Alberta artistic swimmers who largely hailed from the Calgary Aquabelles club. It has been over 20 years since Alberta won the team event and about 30 years since they returned with gold from all three artistic swimming events: solo, duet and team.

There was something special about this competition right from the start.

"Every time we looked at each other we got this little energy boost that really lifted us up and whenever we pushed a highlight (throwing somebody in the air) it felt so easy and so light that really just made everybody feel great."

When the results came in the atmosphere was charged.

"We were all so excited," says Kruger. "We were laughing and yelling and stuff. After we won we got to push our coach into the pool in. It was fun."

The event itself was held in Calgary but the team returned by bus to Red Deer that night with the other competitors in the event.

"We were laughing and telling stories and sharing experiences," she says, "and hanging out with the other provinces because we are actually really good friends with Quebec and Ontario."

This Canada Winter Games was particularly special to the Kruger family. Adora's mother Myrna was also an accomplished synchronized swimmer (and continues to coach) who went on to become a member of Canada's national team. She competed in the Canada Winter Games 40 years ago in Brandon, Manitoba and won silver as part of Team Alberta. 

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Adora Kruger Part of Gold Medal Sweep by Alberta in Artistic Swimming