May 18, 2013
Canadians win two medals at diving Grand Prix
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Emma Friesen of North Vancouver and Philippe Gagné of Montreal each won their first international medal on Saturday at the fifth stop on the FINA Grand Prix diving circuit.
On women’s three-metre, Qu Lin of China took the gold medal with 326.30 points. Friesen followed closely at 322.05 and Inge Jansen of the Netherlands was third at 301.60. Aimee Harrison of Winnipeg was also in the final and was fifth at 269.20.
“It was incredible and it made all the hard work well worth it,” said Friesen, 24. “The reverse dive was definitely a highlight, I really nailed it. I knew going into the last dive how well I was doing and while I could have done the take-off better I was pleased with my finish.”
Harrison, 18, was also in her first Grand Prix final.
“I was hoping to fare better today,” she said. “Still at this competition I think a set a new level of excellence for myself.”
China was 1-2 in the men’s 10-metre final with Huo Liang earning the gold at 571.25 and Jian Yang the silver at 515.95. Gagné, 15 and competing at only his second career Grand Prix, followed with a personal best 431.20.
‘’It’s a great feeling to get a medal,’’ said Gagné, who made his international debut two weeks ago at the Canada Cup Grand Prix in Gatineau. ‘’After the semis, I knew a medal was possible but I was going to have to get a personal best score to have any chance.’’
Competition ends Sunday featuring Cody Yano of Edmonton in the men’s three-metre final.
Contact: Jeff Feeney
Events and Communications Manager
Gestionnaire des événements et des communications
Diving Plongeon Canada
Tel: 613 736 5238 x 2101
Em: jeff@diving.ca
