Synchronized swimming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics. In competition, duos, trios or teams of swimmers show off their strength, flexibility, grace and aerobic endurance while performing elaborate routines in the water, accompanied by music.

One of the most talented synchronized swimmers in the country hails from New Canaan.  Megan Hansley developed her expertise and love of the sport beginning at the age of nine, right here in the New Canaan YMCA's pool.  

A former member of The Y's acclaimed Aquianas Synchronized Swimming Team, Hansley is one of twelve athletes recently named to the 2011 national synchronized swim team by the USA Synchro organization.

A 2009 graduate of New Canaan High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and was awarded the school's Excellence in Chemistry award.  

She was recruited to compete for Stanford University and completed her freshman year as a chemistry major, before taking a leave of absence to train with the American national team through the end of the year.

Team USA is currently competing in international meets while working toward the World Synchronized Swimming Championships in Shanghai in July. The Pan American Games will follow in Mexico in October.

Hansley's goal is to make the US Olympic team at the trials in January and compete in the 2012 summer Olympics in London.

Megan, who was born on Jan. 12, 1991, was a member of Junior National Team for two years and was also on the national team last year. A stress fracture in her tibia forced her off the team, onto crutches and into a temporary pause in her training.  

The injury did not diminish her spirit and her belief in herself.

"Synchro has given me the attitude that I can never give up," Hansley said. "After training hard, I am right back on the team this year and am ready to pick up where I left off, proving to myself that I can do anything."

Jen Muzyk, her former coach at the Y said Megan is a good example of how members of the Aquianas learn life lessons through the sport.

"Time management, working with others, perseverance, and commitment are just a few of the things the girls learn on our team," she said.  "I couldn’t be more proud of her and the talented athlete and responsible young woman she has become.”

Hansley said synchronized swimming is more than a sport to her, it's a way of life.

"Synchro shaped who I am," Hansley said. "I would not be as organized in school, work and time management or as creative and driven without it."

After Hansley pursues her Olympic dream, she will resume her studies at Stanford University.

The key to her awesomeness is she has learned how to persevere through a challenge. A quote on her Facebook page says it well.

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities disguised as impossible situations."