MERMAIDS MAKING WAVES

IT’S one of the most graceful water sports, but behind closed doors is a gruelling training schedule for the best of the best.

And for six of the city’s elite synchronised swimmers – who have all been chosen to represent Australia on the world stage – learning a range of other disciplines such as acrobatics, ballet, drama, yoga, gymnastics and even crossfit is just part of becoming a Gold Coast Mermaid.

One of the group’s youngest members, 14-year-old Georgia Courage-Gardiner, said the specialised training was helpful in getting their technique just right.

“It’s really helpful to do it on land, so when you’re in the water it’s more comfortable,” she said.

Georgia and two of her team-mates will be heading to Portugal to represent Australia in the Mediterranean Cup in August, while senior team member Nikita Pablo, 22, will be flying over to Budapest to compete in the FINA World Championships next month.

“I’ve just come back from a competition in Spain and am now getting ready for Budapest,” Nikita said. “I’m super excited.”

A third junior team is heading to New York to take part in the US Open next week.

Nikita Pablo, Kirsten Kinash, Rachel Presser work on their moves. Picture: RICHARD GOSLING

Maria Nadezhdina, Rachel Presser, Milena Waldmann, Kirsten Kinash, Nikita Pablo, Sue-ann Lim and Georgia Courage-Gardiner.