Winnipeg hosts junior nationals diving competition

Over the next few days, the future of Canadian diving will be on display at Winnipeg’s Pan Am Pool as nearly a hundred aspiring Olympians compete at this year’s junior nationals, including a pair of Manitoba phenoms.

With family and friends cheering on from the stands, Gabriel Brombach and Mila Mortele of Winnipeg’s Revolution Diving Team will be looking to put on a show this weekend, competing against the best under-13-year-old divers from across the country.

While both will be eyeing a spot on the podium, the opportunity to complete and learn from the best is an experience they look forward to every year.

“I’ve been a national champion and it’s honestly really fun. I love the teamwork will all the athletes, it’s honestly so fun,” said Brombach.

Mortele, saying, “The provinces coming to Winnipeg, is really great because I have friends from all of them, so I get to see them. It’s more special, I love our boards, so I’m really confident in our pool.”

The diving duo’s coach, Svitlana Serbina, who has guided the pair since moving to Canada from Ukraine, says aside from their brilliance in the air, it’s the duo’s commitment to the sport that impresses her so much.

“They try to do everything, usually they work so hard, very talented, so I am very proud that Mila and Gabriel will be able to do this competition,” explained Serbina.

The competition will jump into action, beginning on Thursday, and will run throughout the weekend.