The Markham Synchro Club, founded in the 1970's, started out as a recreational program.

In 1982 , Diane van der Pol was hired by the Town of Markham to teach the recreational program which consisted of approximately 20 swimmers. A native Montrealer , as well as a Judge and former synchronized swimmer herself, Diane had been Head Coach of a summer synchro program in Montreal, which she initiated. Although her program started out quite small, the numbers quickly grew. She coached many swimmers who went on to swim nationally and her greatest thrill was to discover Carolyn Waldo, who swam with her program for six summers. Carolyn visited the Markham Synchro Club in 1989 and performed a short sequence and demonstrated some figures, much to the delight of all swimmer s and parents.

From Montreal, Diane moved to Kingston, swimming for Queen's University and remaining active as a Judge. After moving to Toronto, she coached at Havergal College and University of Toronto before moving to Markham. She remained active as a National Synchro Judge in addition to her position as Coach of one of our 15 – 20 age group teams and Head Coach of Markham Synchro Club.

1983: the Club registered as a ‘B' Club in Ontario ; some of our swimmers began competing regionally.

1987: Synchro Ontario set up a ‘B' Provincial Competition which Markham swimmers not only attend, but where they won the Provincial Competition Aggregate Trophy for highest Club points .

1988: the Markham Synchro Club was awarded the Silver Dolphin Trophy for outstanding contribution to aquatics. This award is given out annually to the group or individual that achieves exceptional standing locally in the world of aquatics.

1988: Markham won the Central East Regional Granite Club Trophy for highest club aggregate points. The Club won this trophy again 1989 , 1990 and 1991 .

1989: Markham was presented with a plaque at Synchro Ontario's Annual Awards Banquet in recognition for winning the ‘B' Club Aggregate Championship at the Age Group Competition.

1990: Markham Synchro Club expanded by setting up a recreational and competitive program at Milliken and also assumed the administration of Thornlea's recreational program.

During the 1990-1991 season , the Club was the sole representative of Central East Region at the Ontario Winter Games in Barrie. Both teams won gold medals and the duets took both gold and silver medals. Girls representing Markham took all the medals in figures but one. At the Age Group Meet in Ottawa, Markham Synchro Club won gold in all team events and all duet events but one.

In March , 1992 , our Club presented five banners to the town commemorating our achievements of the past four years as Provincial Champions and Winter Games Champions. These banners now hang at the Centennial Pool in Markham.

In March , 1993 , the 15 & Over Team represented Central East Region at the Ontario Winter Games in Cornwall. The Team won the gold medal and the duets took gold and silver. At the Age Group Meet, hosted by Ottawa , the Club again won the aggregate trophy with 107 total points. The 15 & Over team, coached by Ana Cukic, was able to attend the Trillium Meet (an ‘ A' level Provincial Meet), and also won the gold medal there, capping the 1992-1993 season with an excellent finish. In recognition of their excellent season, the 15 & Over Senior Team won the prestigious Silver Dolphin Award from the Markham Aquatic Club.

1993-1994: This season was very special because the Markham Synchro Club hosted the Age Group Meet - one of the biggest meets in Canada. Over 360 swimmers came to this competition from all over Ontario.

1994-1995: Markham Synchro Club successfully hosted the Qualifying Meet for the Winter Games for our region and co-hosted the Qualifying Meet in April.

1995-1996: A 12-14 team and 15-20 team went to Quebec and won Gold medals. MSC won the Age group trophy and 12-14-team trophy at Trillium. Masters went to Nationals in Edmonton and won silver and placed in solo and duet events.

1996-1997: MSC won the Age Group Trophy for the tenth consecutive year. Masters won the Aggregate trophy at the Nationals in Winnipeg and placed in technical and duet events.

1998-1999: MkSC won the Aggregate trophy at the Age Group meet.

1999-2000: During this season, one of MSC's 15 – 20 teams took first place at Qualifying for the Winter Games in Sault Ste. Marie, and won the silver medal at the Games. MSC hosted a very successful East/Central East Qualifying meet, and our Club won the Aggregate trophy once again.

2000-2001: Our 12-14 Team captured the Silver Medal at the Ontario Age Group Championships.

2001-2002: Our senior 15 – 20 Team placed first at the Winter Games Qualifying meet. This team subsequently captured the Bronze Medal at the 2002 Winter Games. Our 11U team won Silver at the Ontario Age Group Championship, then Bronze at Trillium. Our 10U soloist also placed Second at Trillium. This season also marked the first Combo team at Markham Synchro Club. This Combo won the Bronze Medal at Trillium under this category.

2002-2003: For the first time , Markham Synchro attended National level competitions with the Senior swimmers on the Varied team. Travelling all the way to Quebec City for their first out of province competition, the Varied Team finished with a Silver medal. The Tier 4 team took 1st place finishes at both the Regional Tier Qualifiers and at the Provincial Tier Championships. Kara Barclay and Annette Petersen placed first in duet at the Regional meet and 3rd at the Provincial competition. Our tier 6 duet also had a successful season with many podium finishes.

2003-2004: Markham Synchro recaptured the Provincial Club Aggregate Trophy making us the top club in Ontario for the 12th time since 1987! This trophy was made possible by the 4 provincial gold medals (Tier 3 figures, Tier 5 duet, Tier 9 figures and Tier 9 Solo), the 4 provincial silver medals (Tier 4 figures, Tier 5 figures, Tier 4/5 Combo and Tier 6 Duet), and the 4 provincial bronze medals (Tier 4 Duet, Tier 4 Team, Tier 5 Figures, Tier 6 Figures). These 12 Tier Championship medals placed MKSC easily in the first place aggregate position over the second place club who brought home 7 medals.

Today, our Club continues to mature and grow. This would not be possible without a highly qualified and dedicated coaching staff, as well as the support of our parents and the personal commitment of the individual swimmers. We look forward to another exciting and challenging year ahead.