Team USA has now won six diving medals at the Pan Am Games, its most since 1991. U.S. divers have claimed two gold, one silver and three bronze, with two events still to come. Boudia and Finchum scored 437.62 points to win their second gold of the year and ninth consecutive international medal. "We've finally come to the point where we are really consistent. Even when we miss, it's not a big miss," Finchum said. "I thought we did pretty good today, although we can always do things better. Still we stayed consistent, and I'm happy with a gold medal."
Cubans Erick Fornaris and Jose Guerra were second with 421.92 points, and Colombia's Juan Uran and Victor Ortega took third at 416.10. Finchum and Boudia's score was their third best of the year in international competition, scoring higher only at the World Championships and the Italian Grand Prix. "We just continue to stay consistent. That's what's led us to our success," Boudia said. "I think our experience really helps. We've been diving together for so long and we know each other really well. Those are good components to have in a synchro team."
Bryant scored a career-high 344.15 on 3-meter to win bronze behind a pair of Mexican divers. Paola Espinosa, who won gold on 10-meter on Wednesday, added a 3-meter gold with 361.20 points, and teammate Laura Sanchez was second at 347.45. Bryant's bronze marked the second consecutive international meet in which she's medaled individually. She earned her first career individual medal in Italy last month. "I'd never medaled individually before, and I've gotten bronze at my last two meets. Once it happened in Italy, I really started believing in myself," Bryant said. "I felt good today. I could've done a little better, but it was solid for where I am right now."
Ariel Rittenhouse (Santa Cruz, Calif.) also competed on 3-meter, finishing fifth with 318.15 points. Bryant and Rittenhouse will compete again Saturday in the women's synchronized 3-meter, and Finchum and Boudia will dive individually on 10-meter. The meet begins at 1:30 p.m. local time.
About USA Diving: Featuring America’s best divers, USA Diving is the national governing body for the sport of diving. Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA Diving offers diversified programs geared toward the broadest number of diving enthusiasts, from the novice to the world champion. USA Diving conducts approximately 40 regional and national events annually and is responsible for training and selecting teams that represent the United States at international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cup. For additional information please visit www.usadiving.org.
