For this latest edition of DiveDove, we head to Bloomington, Indiana, the site of the 2016 Olympic Diving Trials. While Rio is still two years away, the diving program at IU will be holding a mock trial meet that is open to the public and free on June 21 from 10 AM-12 PM.
The IU program gained some attention last summer when 2012 Olympic head diving coach, Drew Johansen, made the abrupt move to become a Hoosier, leaving the Duke Diving Dynasty behind. One of the co-creators of that dynasty, Nick McCrory, remained at Duke; closing out his career in style with yet another NCAA title on platform and a Duke degree that will hopefully guide him to medical school.
With his collegiate career now finished, McCrory has his sights set on international competition. The four-time national champion will be one of the big names competing in the mock diving trials at IU to prepare for what lies ahead. The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist made the move to Bloomington, the spot where he will train leading up to the 2016 games, to gain experience with some of the sport’s best divers, facilities, and coaching staff.
A total of ten divers will compete in the three-meter and platform including Jessica Parratto, Emad Abdelatif, and Darian Schmidt. And while Abby Johnston, another Duke diving standout, wasn’t listed to compete in Indiana’s press release, she could very well make an appearance. The 2012 Olympic silver medalist has also been training at IU and is already making a splash on the international scene, qualifying to compete at the FINA Diving World Cup with her synchro partner, Laura Ryan. This fall, Johnston will reinstate her status as a student-athlete, enrolling in Duke’s prestigious medical school program while continuing to train for 2016.
The 2016 Diving Trials are being held up the road at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis.
(Cool name DiveDove)