Magazine
Inside Estonia’s only synchro teams
Magazine
Inside Estonia’s only synchro teams
Team Diamonds Mixed Age enjoyed a strong 2024–25 season.
Team Diamonds, the only synchronized skating club in Estonia, continues to grow quietly but with determination. Between international podiums and several ongoing local projects, the Tallinn-based teams are likely building a promising future for the discipline in the country.
Team Diamonds, part of Club Elegants and based at the Tondiraba Ice Rink in Tallinn, proudly stands as Estonia’s sole synchronized skating team. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the club includes three teams — Mixed Age, Advanced Novice, and Juvenile — led by coaches Lea Rand and Kristiina Lokai.
Their mission is clear: to grow synchronized skating and give it visibility in a country where the discipline is still emerging. “Over time, however, this perception has begun to shift,” they note. Public interest is slowly growing, helped along by performances at exhibitions and public events.
Recruitment remains a hurdle, particularly when it comes to attracting skaters of the right age and skill level. Still, the club has gathered more than 40 skaters — a true milestone in Estonia’s small synchro community. “Those who come to try it almost always stay — and for us, that’s the clearest sign we are doing something right.”
Their mission is clear: to grow synchronized skating and give it visibility in a country where the discipline is still emerging. “Over time, however, this perception has begun to shift,” they note. Public interest is slowly growing, helped along by performances at exhibitions and public events.
Recruitment remains a hurdle, particularly when it comes to attracting skaters of the right age and skill level. Still, the club has gathered more than 40 skaters — a true milestone in Estonia’s small synchro community. “Those who come to try it almost always stay — and for us, that’s the clearest sign we are doing something right.”
This past season saw meaningful progress across all three teams. The Juvenile team improved significantly with a new program, while the Advanced Novice team made its debut — a season filled with “dignity and determination” for many first-time synchro skaters.
The Mixed Age team reached new heights with multiple podium finishes: 1st place at both Hevelius Cup and Nacka Trophy, and 2nd at the Leon Lurje Trophy. Despite roster changes and new choreography, the skaters delivered strong performances, a testament to their commitment and the atmosphere cultivated at training. “It’s friendly, supportive, and full of positive energy.”
The Mixed Age team reached new heights with multiple podium finishes: 1st place at both Hevelius Cup and Nacka Trophy, and 2nd at the Leon Lurje Trophy. Despite roster changes and new choreography, the skaters delivered strong performances, a testament to their commitment and the atmosphere cultivated at training. “It’s friendly, supportive, and full of positive energy.”
All three Team Diamonds squads united on home ice.
Team Diamonds is currently the only club in Estonia systematically developing synchronized skating. With no domestic competitors and minimal external support, their progress depends on the dedication of coaches, athletes, and parents.
“We use every resource available to support, promote, and inspire the next generation of athletes,” they explain. This includes active social media presence, participation in public events, and multiple recruitment drives each season.
One highlight was their performance at the gala concert for Tallinn’s designation as European Capital of Sport — a moment that drew significant public attention. Looking ahead, the club dreams of organizing Estonia’s first synchronized skating competition: an ambitious project, but one they are determined to make a reality.
Aiming for the Junior world stage“We use every resource available to support, promote, and inspire the next generation of athletes,” they explain. This includes active social media presence, participation in public events, and multiple recruitment drives each season.
One highlight was their performance at the gala concert for Tallinn’s designation as European Capital of Sport — a moment that drew significant public attention. Looking ahead, the club dreams of organizing Estonia’s first synchronized skating competition: an ambitious project, but one they are determined to make a reality.
The club’s next major step is to create a junior team capable of meeting the technical minimum required to compete at the World Synchronized Skating Championships in 2026.
“We believe that the team’s entry onto the international level will be a breakthrough not only for our club, but for all Estonian synchronized skating.” Though the path is steep, their resolve is strong. “Hard work, faith in ourselves, and love for synchronized skating will help us achieve what we’ve envisioned.”
“We believe that the team’s entry onto the international level will be a breakthrough not only for our club, but for all Estonian synchronized skating.” Though the path is steep, their resolve is strong. “Hard work, faith in ourselves, and love for synchronized skating will help us achieve what we’ve envisioned.”
