Three Medals for Canada in California
Junior America’s Cup
Montréal, May 21, 2026 – Canada’s diving team collected three medals on day one of individual competition at the Junior America’s Cup in Mission Viejo, California. On Thursday, Sara-Jade Tessier of Quebec won gold, Philippe Wadsworth of British Columbia won silver, and Chase Shawof Alberta won bronze.
In the 14-15-year-old girls’ 3m springboard event, Tessier edged out Australians Mila Klyne (367.85) and Emily Collins (361.20). Although the day had gotten off to a shaky start for the Canadian, she rebounded in the finals, where she finished almost 15 points ahead of her nearest opponent. It was just one more reason to be proud, as she explained it.
“Usually, I mess up at least one dive, but today, I nailed them all. There are times when I don’t feel 100% confident, and I doubt myself, but today, I gave it my all. I decided to go for the gold medal and to rack up some of my biggest scores,” said Tessier, whose strong international run began with three medals at the Next Gen Championships in Scotland last month.
The athlete pointed out that in her previous competitions, she has often struggled to reach the 400-point mark, even when she is allowed an extra dive.
She now hopes to capture medals in the platform and 1m springboard events, which will take place between now and Sunday.
In the first international competition of his fledgling career, Philippe Wadsworth appeared remarkably poised. In the 12-13-year-old boys’ C 1m springboard final, he took second place with 288.70 points, behind Ivan Kliminov of Russia (315.55) and Haskell Fagan of the USA (218.10).
“I was a bit nervous at first, but the more the competition advanced, the more relaxed I felt. I’m happy, but I know I could have done better on some of those dives. Overall, though, I’m happy, and very proud,” explained the diver, who expects to feel even more confident in the 3m springboard event, his favourite discipline.
The two Canadians in the 14-15-year-old boys’ 1m springboard final were also contenders for a medal. Chase Shaw of Alberta (361.95) and Alistair Nisbet of Quebec (361.05) were neck and neck, but only one of them could claim a spot on the podium, where the top two positions were held by Americans Beck Gregory (397.00) and Nathan Piotrowski (371.70).
On Wednesday, Canada won the bronze medal in the mixed team competition, finishing behind Australia and the USA.
The competitions will continue through Sunday.
