FINA High Diving World Cup: Rachelle Simpson takes women’s first gold. Part 4

A winner in the women’s event was determined today at the FINA High Diving World Cup in Kazan. Unlike the men’s competition, which runs for two days, the women performed only three dives. After the first attempt, the lead was claimed by the US diver Ginger HUBER (USA), who a year ago won silver at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona. The world champion Cesilie CARLTON (USA) showed the second best result, while Yana NESTSIARAVA (BLR) came third with 54.60 points.

But the situation has changed after Rachelle SIMPSON performed her second dive and received 86.70 points from the judges. Such a high score allowed her to edge HUBER out for first place. The fight for bronze also heated up. Several divers at once, including NESTSIARAVA, were in good position to win the third-place medal.

But the Belarusian diver missed out on the podium spot. She received 69.70 points for her last dive, but her total was 3 points less than that of CARLTON. SIMPSON was awarded a high score for her final attempt and managed to retain the lead. As a result, the US trio - SIMPSON, HUBER and CARLTON – ended up on the podium.

1 Rachelle SIMPSON (USA) - 216 points

2 Ginger HUBER (USA) - 191.60 points

3 Cesilie CARLTON (USA) - 181.70 points

“I was able to cope with the wind and pull myself together at the crucial moment, when I was to perform my most challenging dive. I’m very happy with my performance,” Simpson commented on her victory. “I am impressed with the beauty of Kazan. The platform offers stunning views of the city.”

“The High Diving World Cup is very well-organised, and I am sure that next year’s World Championships in Kazan will be just as successful. As for my performance, I made a few mistakes, although bronze is a good result,” said Carlton.

The first edition of the FINA High Diving World Cup will conclude on August 10 with the last two rounds of the men’s competition. Two Russian athletes - Ilia SHCHUROV and Artem SILCHENKO – qualified for the final and will fight for medals.