July 10, 2010

Philippe Gagné

WINNIPEG – Philippe Gagné of Montreal completed a golden sweep of all three events by breaking Alexandre Despatie's platform record in the 12-13 age group on Saturday at the 2010 Speedo Junior Nationals diving competition.

Gagné, the one-metre and three-metre winner earlier this week, totalled 370.85 points to smash Despatie's previous age group mark of 333.50 set at a meet in Montreal in 1998. Gagné completed his list in spectacular style landing his inward dive for 9.0's and 9.5's.

''It's a big thrill to get the record,'' said Gagné. ''I was really happy to win all three events. That was my goal. That last dive is one that I always do well on.''

Two other Canadian marks were set in the 11 and under category by Felix Gauthier of Quebec City on boys three-metre and Dominique Cadieux of Edmonton on girls one-metre.

In the men's 16-18 age group, Shane Miszkiel of Victoria also completed a golden sweep of all three boards taking the men's tower with 489.15 points. Marc Sabourin-Germain of Montreal was second and Matthew Fyfe of Montreal third.

''I can hardly talk right now I'm so relieved, so happy,'' said Miszkiel. ''I didn't think this was possible. It was a bigger challenge mentally than physically sticking in there for three days through prelims and finals. It was a real battle.''

In the 14-15 age group, Sam Valentine of Saskatoon notched his second victory this week placing first in the boys three-metre in the 14-15 age group while Michelle Piper-Kulak of Edmonton won the girls one-metre.

''This was a really intense competition and everyone was at the top of their game,'' said Valentine. ''I just had to put my dives down like I know I could.''

''I thought I did really well,'' said Piper-Kulak. ''I dove consistently in a tight competition with a lot pressure. I was able to put that behind me and put in a solid performance.''

The competition is also a selection meet for the world junior championships in September. Competition ends Sunday at the Pan Am Pool.

Full results: http://www.issmembership.com/diving/live/schedule.aspx

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