The U.S. team at the 2012 FINA Junior World Championships did one better than yesterday, winning two medals to bring their total to three as Michael Hixon and David Dinsmore both grabbed bronze medals.
Hixon earned the second medal of his junior world career with a third place finish on 1-meter in Group A (16-18). He finished behind winner Peng Jianfeng of China and Jack Laugher of Great Britain. Hixon qualified for finals in fourth, but moved up one spot knocking Australian Darcy Taylor out the medals. Hixon won a silver medal in 2010 when he teamed with Kristian Ipsen in the synchronized springboard competition. Bryce Klein, a silver medalist in the 14-15 age group on 1-meter two years ago, was forced to withdraw with an injury.
The second bronze came in the boys Group B (14-15) platform event, as David Dinsmore finished third behind the two Chinese divers. The U.S. put two in finals, with teammate Zac Cooper finishing sixth.
The synchro team of Ezster Pryor and Samantha Bromberg did not win a medal, but did crack the top-12 finishing in eighth in the girl's 14-18 synchronized springboard. The Chinese team of Zheng Qulin and Liu Jiao won the event with Olympians Hannah Starling and Alicia Bragg finishing second.
Of all the divers competing in Australia, one of the most impressive might have to be Jack Laugher. Despite not winning the Group A 1-meter competition, his two wins (3-meter/synchro springboard) and silver on "low board" have really put him at the forefront of divers his age. He has already gotten valuable Olympic experience having competed in London, which will make him a serious threat in 2016. Watch out for this guy!
Comments