Montréal, October 30, 2022 – Last year, Nepean, Ontario’s Kate Miller had to sit out the World Junior Championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year however, represented an opportunity to bounce back – and that she did with flying colours on Sunday at the 2022 Junior Diving Trials at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex in Montréal.
The Ontario athlete dominated the 10-metre platform, and took the top step of the podium with a score of 419.50. Now, nothing will stop Miller from shining at the World Junior Championships, set to take place at the end of November in Montréal.
“I’m thrilled that I was able to perform up to my expectations. I missed my chance at compete in the World Championships last time, and I’m looking forward to getting back on track; I’m looking forward to being alongside athletes from around the world. I want to do my best, and I’ve been waiting for this moment for what feels like an eternity,” said Miller. “After qualifying, I had a very specific game plan for the final, but I didn’t want to get bogged down in negativity if ever I had bad dives. In the end, everything worked out and I’m super happy.”
Miller believes the commitment and training she put in over the past year has been influential in terms of her gold medal win Sunday, and she took a moment to give some gratitude to her coaches – the foundation of her success.
“My coaches were critical in terms of my preparation for this competition. They’ve all supported me over the past year to enable me to be at the top of my game today. They deserve a lot of credit,” noted Miller.
Joining Miller on the podium were Renee Batella (Boardworks, 415) and Michelle McLeod (Alberta SW, 283.25).
A great victory for Geoffrey Vavitsas, and company on the podium
Toronto’s Geoffrey Vavitsas (465.45) emerged victorious in the boys’ platform event. Clearly excited to have won, Vavitsas was also happy to share the podium with teammate Emmitt Reesor (451.95) – silver medalist.
“I’m really happy because this is a huge competition! All the hours of work have paid off and I’m especially happy to be able to stand on the podium with my teammate and friend Emmitt. It’s so great that we get to share this together,” enthused an upbeat Vavitsas. “I was well prepared for this event. I started doing visualization recently: when I’m lying down, before I go to sleep, I imagine diving situations and it helps me a lot.”
Quebec’s Arnaud Goulet (Agami) finished on the third step of the podium with 437 points, and a bronze medal around his neck.
Vavitsas will be back in Montréal in November for the Junior World Championships. However, the Ontario-born athlete doesn’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on himself, he simply wants to take advantage of this unique opportunity to compete on the international stage.
“It’s very exciting, this will be my first-ever international competition and I’m especially proud that I was able to get here. I may want to try some new dives, but the most important thing will be to do my best for Canada,” he concluded.
After winning the gold medal Saturday in the platform category, Arnaud Corbeil (Camo) had momentum to spare in the 3m springboard, where once again, his stellar dives earned him the top step on the podium. Alexa Fung (TDA) will also be bringing home some hardware – a gorgeous gold – won in the one-metre springboard. Just like Corbeil, this is Fung’s second medal of the weekend, as she won bronze on Saturday in the 3m event.
Diving fans should note that the World Junior Championships will be held at the Parc Olympic Park in Montréal from November 27 to December 4, 2022. The complete Canadian team roster will be announced in the coming days, so be sure to watch Diving Canada’s socials for news.
More information :
Maelle Dancause
Manager, Communications
Diving Canada
C: 514-475-4540
maelle@diving.ca