The Speedo Junior Nationals concluded this past weekend, closing out a week of competition from what could be the America’s next Olympians. The weekend showcased many of the up and coming stars of U.S. diving, including Michelle Cabassol from Montgomery, Texas, who swept the junior national titles in the 14-15 age group.
Cabassol, who competes as a member of the Woodlands Diving Academy, won the one- and three-meter springboard, and platform titles after having taken part in the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. Cabassol defeated another rising star, teammate Kaylea Arnett in each of the three events. The two had competed as a platform synchro team at the Olympic Team Selection Camp in July.
Another standout performer at the championships was Starz Diving Club member Steele Johnson, who like Cabassol, swept the three events in the 12-13 age group.
In the 16-18 age group, Kistian Ipsen from Clayton, Calif., won junior national titles on three-meter and platform, punctuated by a back 2 ½ somersaults with 1 ½ twists on platform that received al 10’s from the judges. Ipsen defeated Drew Livington (The Woodlands, Texas), who finished third on platform at 2008 Olympic Trials. Livingston had defeated Ipsen on one-meter earlier in the week.
Cabassol and Johnson earned High Point Championship awards for the men and women, and The Woodlands Diving Academy was declared the overall team champion. Woodlands divers won six junior national titles over the course of the championships.
Full results from the Speedo USA Diving Junior National Championships can be found at DiveMeets.com.