Calgary has a synchronized swimming club that is mostly made up of seniors

As a recreational lap swimmer, I was pretty sure this assignment was going to be a snap.

But the Calgary Aquamums took my breath away. Literally.

Their practice in the dive tank of the Talisman Centre had me huffing and puffing as I tried to capture their spins, lifts and formations underwater with a GoPro camera strapped to my noggin.

Doris Goranson, on the other hand, barely came up for air. She's 81 (going on 31).

"I have a really bad back and the doctor said the only thing I could do is swim," she said. 

"I got bored with laps."

Goranson isn't even the oldest member of this masters synchronized swimming club. Her buddy Ona Bilan — who is shy and didn't want to be interviewed — turns 82 this year.

'I don't think I've lost. Ever.'

The Aquamums are mostly of seniors — members range in age from 24 to 82 — but they don't all train together.

One group is more advanced and made up of women who have a background in the sport. The rest took to the water later in life.

Angela Kokott has only been at it for a year and a half. A lifelong speed swimmer, she took up synchronized swimmer at the age 54.

"They've been so patient with me," she said.

Both groups compete at masters meets and have swept the podium, many times, at provincial, national and international competitions. 

"I don't think I've lost. Ever," said Carol Fitzsimmons, who was inducted into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame in 2007.

She's been involved in synchronized swimming most of her life and was on Canada's National Team from 1980 to 1982. Fitzsimmons has been competing with the Aquamums since the 90s and coaching the members — who she calls good friends — since 1986.

"They're very dedicated even at this level. I come down, they're here a half an hour earlier going through the programs. They do other things to keep in shape — line dancing, yoga ... they push themselves everyday."

Meet the Aquamums:

Dot Padget, 66

Carol Fitzsimmons, 55

Her favourite colour is gold, and that's because she has won every single FINA Masters World Championships that she has ever competed in.

Myrna Kruge, 53, Shirley Dawson, 57

Sisters!

Lynne Hulse, 60, and Elsje Brunt, 71

Ona Bilan, 82

The team's oldest member shines in the pool — but she is very camera shy. 

Angla Kokott, 54

She only took up the sport a year and a half ago, but has a strong background in speed swimming.

Doris Goranson, 81

Doris took up synchronized when she was 42 after having spinal surgery. "I have four stainless steel screws in my back, which I swear are bending now."