Sonya Palkhivala

About Sonya Palkhivala

Sonya Palkhivala began diving at the age of five, quickly developing a passion for the sport. She became a member of the Canadian National Diving Team in 2022 and has since gained recognition as one of the country’s most promising young athletes. She trains at the CDI Montreal under the guidance of her coach, Hui Tong. 

At just 19 years old, Sonya specializes in the 3m springboard event but also competes in the 1m springboard. Her career highlights include winning the 2022 Junior World Championship title in the Group A girls’ 3m springboard, making her the first Canadian in two decades to achieve this feat. She also earned gold medals at the 2023 International Youth Diving Meet in Dresden, Germany, in both the 1m and 3m springboard events, as well as a silver medal in the 3m synchronized event with teammate Julianne Boisvert​. 

Sonya’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2023, she suffered a knee injury and was out of the water for a year. Her resilience and determination kept her motivated during the rehabilitation process and she managed to get back in the water.  

Beyond diving, Sonya has a passion for science and aspires to pursue studies in the field. Her curiosity about the world and drive to uncover its mysteries reflect her inquisitive nature, balancing her athletic ambitions with her academic interests. Sonya’s inspiring journey and multifaceted talents make her a standout figure in Canadian sports.