By Roger White

A special year for a special Olympics athlete

May 24, 2018 | 12:00 PM

From the ribbons, medals, and trophies Victoria Machniak proudly displays, it’s easy to see it was a very special year for this special Olympian.

Over the past 15 years, Machniak fell in love with synchronized swimming and became a member of the North Battleford Water Doves where she began collecting awards.

“It feels great to win and know that my hard work has paid off,” Machniak told battlefordsNOW. “I love being in the water and love being a part of my team.”

This year Machniak earned ribbons at the Sandy Roberts National Stream Provincials, captured top honours with a trophy, a medal, and ribbons at the Sadie Caulder Knight Provincials, and medalled at the Canadian Prairie Open Competitions held in Saskatoon. Her mom, Linda Machniak, said watching her daughter perform is a thrill.

“I am very proud of her and her team for their accomplishments,” Linda said. “When she received her first-ever medal I couldn’t stop the tears.”

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Both Linda and Victoria credited much of Victoria’s development to her coach Shelia Parker of the North Battleford Water Doves.

“Shelia has been terrific with Vicki, always ready to assist her in the fundamentals,” Linda said. “When Vicki selects a routine she wants to do for a competition, Shelia will help with choreography and give hints and ideas.”

While the swimming season is over for Victoria until September, she said she plans to continue synchronized swimming for years to come.

“As long as I am having fun swimming I want to do it and be part of the Water Doves,” she said.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW