(Fukuoka) Canadian diver Caeli McKay won bronze in the 10m individual at the FINA World Aquatics Championships early Wednesday morning.
McKay, a 24-year-old Albertan, recorded a score of 340.25 in the final. It was his first career medal at the World Aquatics – his previous best finish was fourth in the 10m individual at the 2017 Worlds.
It was also Canada’s first medal in the competition, which runs until July 30.
“I’m really proud of myself,” McKay admitted at a press conference. It was a roller coaster of emotions. But when I woke up this morning, I knew I had what it took to be successful.
“I felt like I had nothing to lose, so I gave it my all,” added McKay, who earned the medal the day after earning a bye in the discipline for the Games. Paris Olympics in 2024.
McKay struggled with his fourth dive, which only netted him 44.55 points. She rebounded on her fifth and final run, however, with a score of 76.80 – her best finish in the final – to upset Mexico’s Gabriela Agundez Garcia with a cumulative 14.90.
“I knew I was up against some really good divers, so I had to give it my all,” she said. Although I had trouble with my fourth dive, which was the most difficult of my program, I remained focused to finish the competition well. »
Unsurprisingly, the Chinese dominated the competition.
Chen Yuxi, 17, was crowned world champion in the 10m for the third time in a row, after scoring 457.85 points on her five dives.
Her compatriot Quan Hongchan, the reigning Olympic champion in the discipline who is only 16 years old, followed in second place at 445.60.
McKay completed the podium, more than 100 points behind. She was the sole Maple Leaf representative in the women’s 10m final.
Earlier in the competition, the Albertan finished eighth in the 10m synchro with teammate Kate Miller of Ottawa. McKay also went under the knife last October for a left ankle injury.
“I’ve worked very hard for two years to get back to the top of my sport,” she said. My ankle injury was a very difficult moment to live with. When I found myself on the podium (in Fukuoka), I had a hard time holding back my tears. »
The Aquatic Worlds will continue on Thursday with the women’s synchro event on the 3m springboard, in which Quebecers Pamela Ware and Mia Vallée will participate.