In their first competition and diving together only since Tuesday, Mia Vallée and Pamela Ware made it big yesterday by winning the bronze medal in the 3m synchro at the World Cup in Montreal.
In front of an audience who believed in their cause, including about thirty people wearing a Team Mia jersey, the two Quebecers developed in 4th place after three jumps, but they finished with power on their last two to overtake the Australians with less by one point.
Diving Plongeon Canada/Antoine Saito
“I had no idea about the results, but I knew something special had just happened when I heard my family members screaming as we got out of the water,” said Vallée, who dove in front of his Montreal relatives for the first time since 2015. It’s an incredible feeling to dive in front of my family, but also my friends and my parents’ friends. There will be even more in the next two days.”
Diving Plongeon Canada/Antoine Saito
Vallée did not start the competition on the right foot. Canada was sixth after the first jump. “I was really stressed,” she admitted, and I missed my first dive. I didn’t want to disappoint Pam and was worried she would be mad at me but she just said don’t worry and let’s move on to the next dive. I’m really happy to dive with a girl who has such an experience.”
On the verge of tears
That bronze medal was extra special for Ware, who was having a hell of a year after the Tokyo Olympics, where she completely screwed up her last jump in the semifinals.
Diving Plongeon Canada/Antoine Saito
“I almost cried,” she said. I was shaking after our last jump because I knew we were going to win a medal. I’m so happy. I have no words to express my feelings.”
The Montreal World Cup is Ware’s return to the highest level since the Tokyo Games. “I felt good and had no doubts,” she said. Mia has been diving so well over the past year and is showing great confidence. She is always in a good mood. It helps me a lot. I hope that we will jump together at the World Championships this summer. It’s getting better and better and I’m looking forward to the future.”
The Chinese took the gold and the Americans took the silver. Vallée and Ware will be back in action for the 3m preliminary this morning. At the end of the day, the women’s 10-meter synchronized finals and the men’s 3-meter synchronized finals will take place.