Lauren Vickaryous and Gabriel Brombach Steal Show in Montréal
On the third day of competition at the National Junior Festival, being held at Parc Jean-Drapeau, the spectators were won over by the incredible performances of Lauren Vickaryous (Regina) and Gabriel Brombach (Revolution). Aged 11 and 10 years old, respectively, the two young stars won gold medals in the Group D platform event.
Before her final jump, Vickaryous was in third place, but her score of 49.50 on her last dive propelled her to the top of the podium, ahead of Dalia Pereira (Envol) and Sandrine Fortin (Camo).
“I’m really proud of myself. Things mostly went well on the platform. My last dive was very solid. I could have tried for a few extra points, but I won anyway, so I’m really happy,” she said.
Vickaryous, who is extremely satisfied with her gold medal, hopes to climb onto the podium at least once more before the end of the competition, as she will be competing in the 1m and 3m events. However, she is focused on more than just her results over the next few days.
“I want to continue to improve and move up through the Diving Canada levels. But most of all, I want to be proud of myself at the end of the competition.”
Brombach was the only 10-year-old in his group. His consistent performance throughout the final pushed him to the top of the podium. He impressed everyone in attendance.
“It was a perfect day for me” – Julianne Boisvert
Julianne Boisvert of the Envol Diving Club claimed the gold medal in the Group A 1-metre springboard contest. The 17-year-old made a series of excellent jumps in the final to earn the top spot with 427.35 points.
“It was a perfect day for me. I nailed every single dive I wanted to, one after the other. I’m glad it took place in Montréal because my family and friends were able to come and watch. It went really well,” she said. “Winning a medal at a national event like this one is always special. I feel really proud!”
The Québécoise noted that she may have benefitted from a home-court advantage, as she is used to diving in outdoor conditions like the ones at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
“I stayed focused on visualizing my goals all day. I often train outdoors, and it wasn’t my first competition in these types of conditions. I’ve been prepared for a situation like this one for a long time,” she added.
In the final, Boisvert defeated Keira Lu (Boardworks, 420.20) and Marie-Laurence Forest (ARO, 418.80) to take the title.
Noah Bernard and Samuel Talbot wrap up the day on top
Late in the day, Noah Bernard (TDA) and Samuel Talbot (Camo) were also able to enjoy the view from the top of the podium. Bernard, of Toronto, won the Group A 3-metre springboard contest, comfortably in the lead with 526.55 points.
“I’m super happy! It’s really exciting! I didn’t think I’d finish first. It was an unforgettable performance. I was nervous at the beginning of the final, but all my dives went well, so I was able to manage the pressure,” said Bernard.
On his second jump, he set the bar high for his opponents, earning 72 points. From then on, he didn’t look back. He finished 24.80 points ahead of his closest competitor, Olivier Gauthier (Camo, 501.35). Jules Rolland (Envol) took bronze with 484.15 points.
Samuel Talbot won the Group B platform event. The Québécois, who was in solid position going into his last jump, said he never looked at the rankings, preferring to focus on elements within his control.
“I’m very satisfied with my score and with the way I dove. I tried some new jumps at the end of the day, and everything went well. I never looked at the scoreboard, and I think that helped. I didn’t put any unnecessary pressure on myself,” he explained.
Jackson Congdon (Boardworks, 376.30) and Arnaud Corbeil (Camo, 372.05) won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The Junior National Festival will continue on Saturday at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Four finals will be held.
For the complete schedule or to view the competition, click here.
The 2022 Junior National Diving Festival is presented by Speedo and would not be possible without the generous financial support of our public partners the City of Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada.