Montréal, May 14, 2025 – On Tuesday, Canada’s divers picked up a total of four medals—including two gold—on day one of the diving events at the Pan-American Aquatic Sports Championships in Medellín, Colombia.
Sara-Jade Tessier and Maia Jane launched the haul with a one-two finish in the girls’ Group C 1m springboard contest, where they earned respective scores of 259.20 and 249.60, edging out Mexico’s Romina Lire (222.15), who secured bronze.
“I was the first diver, and in this morning’s training session, things hadn’t gone particularly well. So I was a bit worried, but everything turned out okay,” explained Quebec’s Tessier as she exited the pool. “Over the past few months, I’ve had a lot of help with my mental preparation, and today I took it one dive at a time. This is my first international gold medal, and I represented our country the way I felt I should!”
“It was a great day! I was very nervous, but once the competition started, I was able to really focus and tune everything else out. I’m happy to have won a medal for Canada. It’s a great feeling, even though I think I could have done even better,” said British Columbia’s Jane.
In the girls’ 3m springboard event, Lila Stewart shone as she captured gold in Group A. The athlete from Regina dominated the competition, claiming the top spot on the podium with 396.80 points, ahead of Zyanya Martin (379.90) and Kelly Mejorada (379.25), both of Mexico.
“I feel great, and I had an amazing day today [Tuesday]! Diving outdoors is very different, but I’m proud to have been able to remain consistent. I trusted myself and trusted the process, and I dove very well. Hearing the Canadian anthem as I stood on the podium was very special, and I’m honoured to be representing my country here this week,” said Stewart.
Alberta’s Chase Shaw also stepped onto the podium on Tuesday, thanks to his score of 346.70 in the boys’ Group B platform event, where he won bronze, just behind Mexico’s Mateo Nolasco (362.15) and Ian Gutierrez (361.70).
“Things went relatively well, even though I think I could have been more consistent. It’s my first time at this event, and it felt amazing to be on the podium,” he said enthusiastically.
Quebec’s Arnaud Corbeil (423.90) and Samuel McCaffrey (414.20) also dove on Tuesday, finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the boys’ Group A 1m springboard event. The competition was won by David Vazquez Cio of Mexico, with 467.90 points.
The championships will continue on Wednesday, with six Canadians in action. Sara-Jade Tessier and Maia Jane will compete in the girls’ Group C 3m springboard event, while Mathilde Laberge and Lila Gokiert take off from the platform in girls’ Group A. Among the males, Emmitt Reesor and Thomas Ciprick will make their debut in the senior men’s 1m springboard competition.
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More information :
Alexandra Piché
Manager, Communications
Diving Canada
C: 514 625-5513
alexandra@diving.ca