The Mission Viejo Nadadores flew coast to coast in early March to attend this year’s Wendy Wyland Memorial Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the first Wendy Wyland Invite FTLD has hosted since the pool’s shutdown in 2018. The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex boasts the world renown Swimming Hall of Fame, and with the recent remodel, mostly affecting the diving well, has new springboards and platforms, including high diving platforms above the 10m reaching heights of 15m, 20m, 24m, and 27m.
“The blue and gold finished fourth overall.”
While none of the Nadadores competed in any high diving events, they did quite well in their JO springboard and platform competitions. With almost 200 total divers in attendance, and the Nadadores only brining 17, the women’s team finished in second place, and the blue and gold finished fourth in the overall team standings.
“It was great for our divers to get a chance to compete with divers we don’t see as often.”
Coach Lo, the Nadadores’ Elite Team Assistant Coach, was extremely pleased with the Nadadores’ performance, saying, “The team had a great training trip and competition in Fort Lauderdale.” She continued excitedly, “We had about 8 divers arrive early to get some additional training in at the newly renovated Hall of Fame pool. The weather was great for us and we were thankful for the training time from the City of Fort Lauderdale. Once the meet started, our divers competed strongly against the East coast teams. It was great for our divers to get a chance to compete with divers we don’t see as often.”
“Standout performances.”
There were standout performances from many Nadador divers, including Gianna Kenrick making the podium in 2 events, Leila Adams and Karolina Polizos snagging one podium each, Ivan Kliminov sweeping three golds in his 11 & under age group, and a couple first ever travel events for Tyler Mark and Seine Erickson.
“A clean sweep!”
“It was a meet of many firsts,” said the Nadadores’ Associate Head Coach, Todd Mulzet. “Our first big meet of 2024, a first time competing many new dives for the kids, our first time at the new pool since its reopening, a first time looking over the edge of 27m (scary), and Ivan’s first meet in the USA with a clean sweep nonetheless!”
Even amidst the chaos of spring break in South Florida, the kids were able to enjoy some beach time and hang with teammates and friends from other teams outside the pool. Now it’s time to switch gears and get ready for another big invite, as the Ron O’Brien Invitational is taking place this weekend at the Nadadores’ home pool, the Marguerite Aquatic Complex, in Mission Viejo.
