Beginnings
Founded in September 1966 by Mary Ann Reeves, the Calgary Aquabelles (AQB) have a storied and distinguished history. Playing a lasting role in shaping the development of synchronized swimming in Canada and on the world stage, the Aquabelles have celebrated many firsts in the sport. Producing numerous world class synchronized swimmers and Olympic Athletes for over 50 years, every Aquabelles swimmer has pledged to ‘do their best, with good sportsmanship’.
TIMELINE
Sept 1966
Calgary Aquabelles founded by Mary Ann Reeves.
1967
Debbie Humphrey wins first AQB national medal.
1967
Ken Newans writes about AQB and synchro on the sports page, a move from the women’s page.
1971
AQB’s win silver at Pan Am Games and are welcomed back by the City of Calgary as the first sports team to bring back an international medal!
1972
Senior and Junior Team hold simultaneous National Team Medals. Repeated 3 times (not repeated by any other club to date).
1977
Helen Vanderburg and Michelle Calkins win Elaine Tanner Canadian Athletes of the Year, winning Gold at Pan Pacifics in Mexico City and Gold at the World Aquatic Championships in West Berlin.
1981
Debbie Muir named Head Coach.
1981
AQB’s Cowboy routine beats the USA in Team for the first time ever during the Pan Pacifics.
1984
Synchronized Swimming joined the Olympics.
1984
Aquabelles win silver in solo and duet the first time Synchro is in the Olympics (Carolyn Waldo, Kelly Kryczka and Sharon Hambrook).
1988
It is a sweep at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul – Gold in Solo for Carolyn Waldo, Gold in Duet for Carolyn Waldo and Michelle Cameron with Alternate Karin Larsen.
1994
Another sweep (Solo/Duet/Team) at FINA World Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships in Bonn Germany.
1998
US Open in Santa Clara, Aquabelle athlete Raphael Jablona used Knox gelatin for the first time in hair during a competition and word spread to be the norm.
2001
Canadian Team (including Aquabelle Sarah Alexander & Erin Chan) win Bronze at World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
2008
Beijing Olympics Team places 4th with Aquabelles' Jennifer Song and Alison McKenny.
2011
Junior UANA – The Canadian Junior team takes gold in figures, solo, duet, and team. Aquabelles representation included Gabriella Brisson (duet), Claudia Holzner (duet) and Kaylene Scheil (team) coached by Jenn Tregale (head coach).
2014
Mary Ann Reeves recognized by ISOF (International Swimming Hall of Fame) with Paragon Award for Leadership in Synchronized Swimming.
2015
Junior UANA - The Canadian Junior team takes solo, duet and team with Aquabelles’ Jayd Kasprick and Halle Pratt (solo & duet) coached by Jenn Tregale.
2017
Mark Tewksbury named honourary member of the Aquabelles, celebrating his underwater training with the club prior to his gold medal win in the Barcelona Olympics.
2017
Calgary Aquabelles 50th Anniversary.
