INDIANAPOLIS – Duke’s representatives at the 2015 USA Diving Winter National Championships concluded the meet on a strong note Sunday, competing in the women’s individual 3-meter finals at the IUPUI Natatorium.
Former Blue Devil Abby Johnston, who along with Laura Ryan captured gold Wednesday in the women’s synchronized 3-meter competition, finished second overall Sunday. The 2012 Olympic medalist entered Sunday’s finals in fourth place, and totaled 345.65 points on her list of five dives to claim the silver medal with a combined score of 950.75. She earned 72 points on each of her last two dives, an inward 2 ½ somersault and a forward 2 ½ somersault with one twist, to finish behind only Kassidy Cook (975.20).
With their gold medal performance in the synchronized 3-meter competition, Johnston and Ryan qualified for February’s FINA Diving World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, where they will have a chance to earn the United States a spot in that event at the 2016 Olympic Games. Johnston will also compete at the World Cup as an individual after taking second on the 3-meter board.
Freshman Mackenzie Willborn also dove her way into Sunday’s 3-meter final after placing 12th in Friday’s semifinals. The Flower Mound, Texas native totaled 534.55 points through the first two rounds and added 247.9 points in the final to round out the competition in 12th (782.45). Her highest-scoring dive of the day came in the third round, when she was awarded 56.00 points on a back 2 ½ somersault for a 2.8 degree of difficulty.
Willborn teamed with Grace Cable to finish 11th in the women’s synchronized 3-meter finals.
Duke head diving coach Nunzio Esposto was also in Indianapolis for the meet.
The Blue Devils resume regular season action Jan. 8 at South Carolina.
Swimming news courtesy of Duke Swimming & Diving.
