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Canada’s Simone Leathead captured the first world championship medal of her career on Saturday in Singapore, winning silver in the women’s 20 metre high dive.
The Montreal native moved from fourth place into second on her final dive, an inward three somersaults ½ twist pike, which scored 90 points.
Simone Leathead of Montreal finishes second in the women’s 20-metre high dive event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
“Today took a little turn because of the weather, but I’m super happy with what I did. Being able to do six dives to the best of my ability, I’m just super proud,” Leathead said after the event.
“I’m coming from a diving background and the world championships were always on my ‘big dreams list’, so to be able to compete and do great and be able to be on the podium is just a very big accomplishment for me.”
The 22-year-old finished behind Australian veteran Rhiannan Iffland, who lead the standings from start to finish and won gold to secure her fifth world championship title.
“I have already achieved four [world titles] in the past, and I was wondering about the possibility of winning a fifth. I came into this event knowing I could be fighting for it, but it wasn’t my main goal,” the 33-year-old Iffland said. “It’s insane, I’m blown away, I’m kinda speechless right now. I never would have thought 10 years ago I would be holding my fifth medal.”
Rounding out the podium was American teen Maya Kelly, who made history with her bronze-medal performance. The 18-year-old athlete became the youngest-ever medallist in high diving at the world championships.