Over spring break, artistic swimmer Alina Zhu, grade 5, competed at the Pacific Association Intermediate Championships at the Miwok Aquatic Center in Novato. Zhu took home four gold medals for competing in figures, solo, trio and team routines. “It isn’t an easy sport, but I like the challenges,” said Zhu, who started artistic swimming with Santa Clara Aquamaids as a fourth grader. “[Artistic swimming] combines gymnastics, dance and swimming, and previously I had experiences in all three separately.” Zhu won her first gold medal in a mixed duet last June, followed by her second gold medal in a team routine in February. This was the first time she competed in every individual and team event in a single day, and she was happy for both her and her team’s success.