Montréal, July 22, 2023 – On the final day of diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Nathan Zsombor-Murray placed seventh in the 10-metre platform final with 468.00 points. Australia’s Cassiel Rousseau (520.85) topped the podium, ahead of Junjie Lian (512.35) and Hao Yang (504.00), both of China.
The Québécois’s best dive was his second of the six. He obtained a score of 83.25 points, the highest of all the finalists in the second round, moving into provisional third place. However, in the next round, he slipped down three spots.
“I’m still happy with my day. I feel that I dove well this week. There are still a few things I need to work on, but I’m pretty happy,” said Zsombor-Murray, of Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
What he found most difficult was competing in multiple elimination rounds in such a short time. In the mixed 10m synchronized event with Kate Miller, he finished fifth.
“I found the schedule a bit tough. I would have liked to have more time to train,” explained the 20-year-old, adding that he was proud to have bounced back after feeling less than his best at the beginning of the week.
On a positive note, Zsombor-Murray secured a spot for Canada in the individual 10m event at the upcoming Olympic Games.
“My main goal was to qualify Canada, so I can safely say I did what I set out to accomplish this week. I’m glad to have been able to do it, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s next. I’m prepared to keep working.”
Out of the 13 finals at the World Championships, today’s final was the only one not won by China. If the Canadian hopes to get any closer to the top, he knows what he must do over the coming months.
“To be able to keep up with the divers who competed today [Saturday], I need to improve my list of dives. The level [of competition] was incredible. Now, we’re heading to Berlin for the World Cup Super Final. I’m looking forward to competing there.”
The day after she won the bronze medal in the individual 3m event, Pamela Ware declined to compete in Saturday’s mixed 3m synchronized event to save her energy for Berlin.
More information :
Alexandra Piché
Manager, Communications
Diving Canada
C: 514 625-5513
alexandra@diving.ca