Montréal, May 5, 2024 – On Saturday, Tazman Abramowicz and Ernest Braitenbach performed their first synchronized dive together, during a training session. Only 24 hours later, the two Canadians took bronze in the synchronized 3m event at the Canada Cup in Calgary!

Their first synchronized experience together was a success, to say the least.

“We really enjoyed ourselves, which helped a lot! We joked around between our dives, and we stayed calm, and that’s what helped us finish third,” said Abramowicz.

Although they did not have much time to fine-tune their dives, the bronze medallists were nevertheless able to make a quick adjustment following a lacklustre first attempt.

“We had to practice again in the morning, because we weren’t well-synchronized the first time. That extra practice session served us well, because look where we are now!” added Braitenbach.

On their fifth and final plunge, the Canadian duo earned 69.36 points, their highest of the competition, bringing their total score to 346.23 points.

“We made some adjustments early on, so we started to feel more confident about being synchronized. In the end, that’s what made the difference,” explained Abramowicz.

For both athletes, it was their first international synchronized medal at the senior level. And one thing is certain: Both Canadians would love to repeat the experience, should the opportunity arise again.

Only the Mexicans and South Koreans managed to outdo the local divers, taking gold and silver, respectively.

Fourth place for Margo Erlam

Margo Erlam, who won bronze in Saturday’s 3m synchronized event, fell just short of finishing on the podium for the second time in as many days in Sunday’s individual event. With a total score of 303.40 points, she finished fourth in the 3m contest, 12.20 points behind bronze medallist Lin Shan of China.

Aimee Wilson, who won bronze with Erlam in yesterday’s synchronized event, finished eighth with 283.95 points.

Mathilde Laberge (259.55), who was competing in her first-ever international final at the senior level, was right behind her in ninth place.

“I’m really proud of myself! All I wanted was to be consistent in my dives, and to get through them with a positive attitude,” explained the Québécoise. According to Laberge, this experience, which she was able to enjoy in front of her family, will serve her well in the future, particularly next year, in her final year at the junior level.

“I’ll be less stressed out in the future! […] I know my family is really happy for me. My mom doesn’t cheer loudly too often, because she doesn’t want to distract me, but she gives me a lot of encouragement. [My coach] Devin was happy too! We made this happen together. We make a great team!”

In the same final, Amélie-Laura Jasmin finished 10th with a total score of 248.10 points.

Kristen Hayden of the USA won the gold medal, 8.80 points ahead of China’s Si Yajie.

A rewarding Canada Cup

The last event to take place in Calgary on Sunday was the men’s individual 3m final. Three Canadians took part.

Luc Goertzen obtained the highest result of the three, finishing seventh with 349.35 points. The young Calgarian, at his first-ever international competition, was delighted.

“I’m so happy! It was definitely my best event of the weekend, and it was my first final, at my first international competition! My goal was to perform my dives well, and I’m happy with the way everything turned out,” said Goertzen, who takes a very positive view of his experience among the world’s top divers, right in his hometown.

“Just watching how the other divers take off, and seeing how they approach a competition at this level . . . I’ll be able to apply some of those elements in future competitions, and come up with a routine that works for me. I hope to be able to participate in more competitions like this one!”

Following two difficult dives, Arnaud Corbeil recovered to finish ninth in the same final, with 321.75 points. Ciro Mejia’s experience was similar. He followed closely behind his teammate, securing tenth place with 314.75 points.

Bai Yuming of China, Carson Tyler of the USA, and Zhu Yongxin of China made up the podium.

Throughout the Canada Cup, the host country was well represented in Alberta. And in addition to participating in several finals, Canada added two more medals to its haul.

More information:

Alexandra Piché
Manager, Communications
Diving Canada
C: 514 625-5513
alexandra@diving.ca