Christina Loukas strengthened her hold on first place after the women’s springboard semifinal round at the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials in Indianapolis, extending her lead to almost 50 points over second place finisher, Nancilea Foster.
After what appeared to be a nervous preliminary round on Wednesday, the women settled down for an overall better contest in the semifinals.
Loukas, who had a 30-point bonus before the preliminaries, stretched her lead with a list of dives that improved as the contest progressed. She seemed unfazed by her advantage, finishing the event with a forward 2 ½ somersaults with 1 twist that received scores ranging from 8.5 to 9.5.
“Coming into tonight, I didn’t want to think about the bonus points,” said Loukas. “So I was able to focus on what I needed to do.”
With one more round of dives to go to lock up an Olympic berth, Loukas exuded confidence on the diving board. “I’m still definitely nervous. I’m telling myself we are all even.”
Her confidence comes from the fact that she attempts to ignore the surroundings during the event, which included a supportive crowd. “I’m over in my own little world,” commented Loukas about the crowd and improved competition. “I’m expecting that everyone is diving well.”
Nancilea Foster moved into second, ahead of Ariel Rittenhouse who held the second spot after the preliminaries. Foster gained strength from her mindset that allows her to accept the results regardless of the outcome.
“I am going to be ok no matter what happens,” said Foster. “That gives me a lot of stability.”
Despite dropping to third, Ariel Rittenhouse was happy with her performance.
“It wasn’t my best list but I know I can improve in finals,” said Rittenhouse. “I’m pleased altogether.”
For the second time her opening dive, an inward 2 ½ somersaults in pike that fell short of vertical, gave her trouble. “It’s a case of nervous jitters. I’m not too worried about it.”
The women’s finals will take place on Friday evening and the winner will receive an automatic Olympic berth.
- Christina Loukas (Riverwoods, Ill) – 729.85
- Nancilea Foster (Conroe, Texas) – 681.40
- Ariel Rittenhouse (Santa Cruz, Calif.) – 650.30
- Allison Brennan (Huntington Beach, Calif.)– 642.10
- Victoria Ishimatsu (Seal Beach, Calif.)– 633.30
- Mary Yarrison (Springfield, Va.)– 614.10
- Amanda Miller (Centreville, Va.) – 611.05
- Kelci Bryant (Chatham, Ill.) – 609.70
- Chelsea Davis (Columbus, Ohio) – 592.25
- Cassidy Krug (Pittsburgh, Pa.) – 581.20
- Summer Allman (Dallas, Texas) – 551.80
- Abby Johnston (Upper Arlington, Ohio – 524.70
Women’s Three-meter Springboard Semifinals
