|
<<< Return to article listing >>>
Boudia claims 10-meter national titles
Written By: Noblesville Daily Times
By Matt Litten
Posted: 08/07/06 - 02:42:00 pm EDT
mlitten@noblesvilledailytimes.com
David Boudia of Noblesville won his first individual national diving title Saturday to close out the U.S. National Diving Championships at IUPUI. Boudia also added a national championship with teammate Thomas Finchum in the men's 10-meter synchro. Boudia, who missed the individual gold medal by 1.20 points at last year's championships, scored 472.20 points for his first individual national title. Finchum, of Indianapolis, the 2005 champion, earned a silver and was just 36 points behind the Noblesville teenager.
Boudia and Finchum created drama when they were tied going into round three. Boudia said that was unique for several reasons. “The first two rounds we were tied,” said Boudia. “In the first round it was weird that we tied. Tying in diving is rare. But, after our third round dive, I took the lead.” The duo went right into the 10-meter synchro finals with no rest and finished with 418.86 points for another title. They beat out Drew Livingston of The Woodlands, Texas and Harrison Jones of Spring, Texas, who finished with 355.59 points for second. “After the finals for the 10-meter individual we had to jump back in and dive right away,” said Boudia. “We didn't get a break at all.” Boudia and Finchum, who recently won the World Cup silver medal in platform synchro diving in China, knew they could win the title. “Our dives are really solid right now,” said Boudia. “We were confident going into it that we could beat the second place team and we did.” Boudia earned the men's high point award with 58 ½ points over Finchum's 55 1/2, which is scored from four events. The Noblesville 17-year-old said the tandem's youth helps them win such honors.
“I think we're young enough that we won't have to do only one event,” said Boudia. “We can do more events than one. We were on top of our game this week.” Boudia and Finchum appear to be at the top of the list for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “I think the route we're going right now, if we stay on it, it is definitely possible,” said Boudia. “We could definitely make it. We have to work hard and put in the long training hours, and then we can do it.” Huntington Beach, California's Allison Brennan won the women's 3-meter title while Abby Johnston and Mary Yarrison won the women's 3-meter synchro national title. Brennan also won her first national title with 333.25 points with Christina Loukas earning silver with 321.60 points and Margaret Hostage finishing with a bronze medal (296.5). Yarrison and Johnston (275.76) surprised this year's World Cup silver medalists in Kelci Bryant and Ariel Rittenhouse (269.10) for the 3-meter synchro title
Posted 8-15-06 |
|
|
