The U.S. Trials for diving continue in Federal Way Thursday night as Olympics hopefuls have the first finals session of the eight-day event: Men’s 10-meter platform and women’s 3-meter springboard synchro divisions.
Nick McCrory (Chapel Hill, NC) and David Boudia (Noblesville, IN) hold a massive advantage in the men’s session, leading by more than 100 points entering the nationally televised event on NBC Sports.
In women’s action, Kelci Bryant (Chatham, IL) and Abby Johnston (Upper Arlington, OH) have combined to build a narrow lead over Christina Loukas (Riverwoods, ILl) and Cassidy Cook (The Woodlands, Texas).
After missing the finals by one spot in the women’s individual 10-meter platform Wednesday night, Woodinville product Carrie Dragland still has an outside chance to earn a berth to the London Summer Olympics in the synchro 3-meter springboard along with partner Bianca Alvarez (Miami). The duo enter Thursday night’s finals in fourth place.
On Wednesday, Kristian Ipsen (Clayton, CA.) pulled ahead in the men’s 3-meter springboard semifinals, taking a 39.60-point lead into Sunday afternoon’s finals. Meanwhile, Brittany Viola (Orlando, FL) opened a 30-point lead in the women’s 10-meter platform by racking up 734.30 points in the first two rounds of competition.
Shorecrest High School graduate Katrina Young also kept her Olympics dream alive on Wednesday, though she has big ground to make up after finishing 10th in the 10-meter platform. The Florida State product trails Viola by nearly 150 points and must overtake current runner-up Katherine Bell Sunday, who leads her by 100 points. The top two divers earn an Olympic berth.
Gov. Christine Gregoire will be in attendance to open the finals at 7 p.m as Olympics berths will be awarded to four divers.
