Despatie, Heymans top list of Canadian Olympic divers
Diving Canada announced Monday the nine athletes it plans to send to this summer’s London Olympics, headlined by fourth-time Olympians Alexandre Despatie and Emilie Heymans.
Despatie, from Laval, Que., won the silver medal in the men’s 3-metre springboard event at the last two Olympics. He’ll be back in that event in London, where he’ll also compete in the 3-metre synchronized with teammate Reuben Ross.
"I'm very thankful for the incredible support I've received from teammates and the countless fans across the country," Despatie, who will be 27 during the Olympics, said at the team announcement in Montreal. "They have truly made it possible for me to give my everything."
Heymans, of Brossard, Que., is trying to become the first women’s diver to win a medal in four consecutive Olympics. She earned a silver in the 10-metre platform synchronized in 2000, a bronze in the same event in ’04, and a silver in the individual competition in ’08.
In London, Heymans will compete in the 3-metre springboard individual and the 3-metre synchro with teammate Jennifer Abel. The pair took silver at last year’s world championships.
"I'm very excited to go to my fourth Olympic Games, both in the 3-metre synchro and individual events," said the 30-year-old Heymans. "It's a great way for me to end my diving career and, whatever happens, I'll be proud of my 19 years in the sport. I'm looking forward to having an amazing time."
The full list of Diving Canada’s Olympic nominees:
- Jennifer Abel (Laval, Que.): women's 3m, 3m synchro
- Meaghan Benfeito (Montreal): women's 10m, 10m synchro
- Alexandre Despatie (Laval, Que.): men's 3m, 3m synchro
- Roseline Filion (Laval, Que.): women's 10m, 10m synchro
- Emilie Heymans (Brossard, Que.): women's 3m, 3m synchro
- Francois Imbeau-Dulac (St-Lazarre, Que.): men's 3m
- Riley McCormick (Victoria): men's 10m
- Reuben Ross (St-Leonard, Que.): men's 3m synchro
- Eric Sehn (Edmonton): men's 10m