Bolzano, July 15, 2022 – Day one of the Bolzano Invitational was a successful one for Canadians Pamela Ware (Montréal, QC) and Carson Paul (Victoria, BC), both of whom climbed onto the third step of the podium in Italy.
Ware was the first to do so, thanks to her score of 295.35 in the 3-metre springboard event. She had a bit of difficulty with her second dive, but her otherwise consistent performance led to her to a Top Three finish.
“I didn’t do well on my second jump, and I think that affected my subsequent dives. Still, I was consistent, and I’m glad to have finished on the podium,” she said.
The Montrealer was also excellent in the qualifications, where she easily finished first with 26.95 points, well ahead of her closest competitor, fellow Canadian Aimee Wilson of Calgary, AB. According to 29-year-old Ware, her excellent performance in the preliminary rounds gave her a confidence boost that lasted the rest of the day.
“The early part of my day really drove me to give my all in the final. I think the qualification rounds were some of my best of the year. I keep improving, which is extremely positive. I felt like I was on a roll!”
Wilson finished fourth in the final with 291.45 points, while Italy’s Chiara Pellacani claimed the gold medal with a score of 320.30. Sweden’s Emilia Nilsson Garip won silver with 318.15.
“In the final, Aimee and I had very tight scores. We’re good friends outside of the pool, and we cheer each other on even when we’re competing against each other, which I think is good for both of us,” noted Ware.
Olivia Chamandy (Montréal, QC) and Katelyn Fung (London, ON), who came out of the qualifiers in fourth and seventh place, respectively, did not advance to the final due to the limit of two athletes per country in the final round.
Ware will have a busy weekend in Bolzano. She and Wilson will compete in the 3m synchronized final on Saturday, and she will also participate in the 1m springboard event on Sunday. She hopes to add a few more medals to her collection.
“There will only be two teams in tomorrow’s synchronized event, so we’re going for gold. The 1m will be a lot of work, but I’m hoping for gold there as well,” concluded Ware.
First senior medal for Carson Paul
At only 17 years of age, Carson Paul was impressive in his second-ever senior-level international competition. He finished third on the 10m platform with a score of 399.85 points. It was a special performance he will remember for a long time.
“It’s great here in Bolzano. The competition was held outdoors, so the wind was a factor. I’m glad to have been consistent all day. I came very close to second place, and with a few tweaks, I could have had it, but I’m very proud of my bronze medal,” he said.
“I’m glad to have been able to take part in this competition. It’s my first senior medal, which means a lot to me and really motivates me for the future,” he added.
Italians Andreas Sargent Larsen (429.10) and Riccardo Giovannini (401.50) won gold and silver, respectively. Quebec’s Matt Cullen (Rosemère, QC) finished fourth, just behind Paul, with 378.95 points.
Paul will not compete in any other events this weekend in Bolzano, but he says the travel and intensive training was worth it.
“Even if I hadn’t won a medal, I would have been satisfied with the hard work it took to get here. But of course, winning the bronze medal is a definite plus!” stated Paul.
The Bolzano Invitational will continue on Saturday and Sunday. Several Canadians will be in action.
More information :
Chris Dornan
Consultant, Media Relations
Diving Canada
403-620-8731
hpprchris@shaw.ca