WINDSOR TO HOST 2020 OLYMPIC DIVING TRIALS
Diving Plongeon Canada (DPC) is thrilled to announce that the City of Windsor will be hosting another exciting diving event this upcoming season – the 2020 Olympic Trials. The Windsor community will have the chance to see Canada’s top divers contest for available spots on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic team during this four-day meet, scheduled to take place at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre (WIATC) from May 21st to 24th.
“We’re very pleased to be the host site for 2020 Olympic Trials and look forward to welcoming these future Olympians to our great city”, says Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We are proud to have been chosen to host another significant diving event, as well as the partnership we have forged with Diving Plongeon Canada. The divers love our Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre (WIATC). WIATC was built for world class diving and that’s exactly what the residents and visitors will enjoy during this Olympic qualifying event.”
The Olympic Trials in Windsor will serve as the final selection opportunity for athletes to secure a spot on the Canadian Olympic team. Although some Olympic team spots may have already been secured through early nomination opportunities, the event will provide the highest level of sporting drama for Canada’s best divers.
“Diving Canada has never had a greater depth of talent than we are currently witnessing, especially on the men’s side of the sport,” says Mitch Geller, Chief Technical Officer for DPC. “We anticipate photo finishes in the men’s 10m and 3m events as well as a closely contested women’s 10m event. Our athletes are excited to be competing at the WIATC based on the warm welcome and support that they always receive from Windsor.”
Two of these Olympic hopefuls, Caeli McKay (10m / Calgary, AB) and Vincent Riendeau (10m / Pointe-Claire, QC), travelled to Windsor for the announcement. Both divers will have the opportunity to secure their Olympic qualification in the 10m synchronized event at the 2020 FINA Diving World Cup (Tokyo, April 21-26), but their individual qualification will most likely come down to how they perform in Windsor in May.
“Windsor is where I broke the 500-point mark in April 2016 and secured my nomination on the Rio 2016 Olympic team,” recalls 23-year-old Vincent Riendeau. “We’ve competed here so many times over the past few years that Windsor holds a special place in our hearts.”
“This is the pool where I fought my way on the 2019 World Championships team last season, so I feel confident knowing that the Olympic trials will be held in such a familiar environment,” says 20-year-old Caeli McKay.
With today’s announcement, Windsorites will now get to witness back-to-back diving spectacles in May of 2020. The FINA Diving Grand Prix – Canada Cup is taking place at the WIATC from May 14th to 17th, followed by the Olympic Trials one week later.
While the Canada Cup is expected to attract approximately 75 elite international divers from over 15 countries, the Olympic Trials will see representatives from 15 Canadian clubs chasing their Olympic dream. The Olympic Trials will also crown national champions in four individual events.
DPC also announced that fans purchasing tickets to attend the Canada Cup will receive complimentary tickets for the Olympic Trials / Summer National Championships. Tickets for the 2020 Canada Cup may be purchased online. Prices range from 15$ for a day pass to 25$ for a weekend pass, with special prices available for kids under 12.