Some of the world’s best divers are in Windsor this weekend competing in the FINA/NVC Diving World Series.
Competition kicked off at noon Friday, with a large section of the crowd cheering for the Canadian divers.
Fifty-six of the best divers are here for the fifth stop in the six-circuit world series.
“This event has the diving stars of the world here,” says Kathy Seaman, chairwoman of FINA. “It’s a very exclusive event.”
Canada is well represented at the competition, with a full roster of divers.
Divers Meaghan Benfeito of Montreal and Roseline Filion of Laval, Que., aren't strangers to Windsor. They won gold in the 10-meter synchronized event last year.
“Last year, we won this event so we're really looking forward to do something similar this year,” says Filion.
Benfeito says having “somewhat of a hometown advantage” is going to help a lot.
Mens' 3-metre synchro was the first event Friday afternoon. Here is the complete schedule.
For the first time ever this year, mixed gender synchro has been introduced on 3-metre springboard and 10-metre platform. The eight other Olympic events taking place are women’s and men’s 3-metre springboard, 10-metre platform, 3-metre springboard synchro and 10-metre platform synchro.
Divers are invited to participate at the 2015 World Series based on their results from the 2014 FINA World Cup in Shanghai, China.
The top-8 ranked divers in each individual event and the top-6 teams in each synchronized event earn qualification and Canada, as the host country, was able to invite divers who have met the international standards.
So proud of @CityWindsorON residents for doing this for @TeamCanada #GoCanadaGo @CTVWindsor @fina1908 pic.twitter.com/znKbeLyEKA
— Michelle Maluske (@MMaluskeCTV) May 22, 2015
At #FINA Diving World Series event at Aquatic Centre. 3m synchronized up now @CTVWindsor pic.twitter.com/3FOpZgnZ1U
— Rich Garton (@RichGartonCTV) May 22, 2015
No medals for @TeamCanada in Mens 3M synchro #SadFace They placed 5th Women next Warming up now @CTVWindsor
— Michelle Maluske (@MMaluskeCTV) May 22, 2015
Canadian divers Jennifer Abel and Pamela Ware in the 3m synchro final. #FINA pic.twitter.com/Qlf7Lun3fx
— Melanie Borrelli (@MBorrelliCTV) May 22, 2015
Last chance Round5 #Womens3MSynchro .@TeamCanada in 3rd 1 pt out of 2nd 8 pts from 1st @fina1908 @CTVWindsor
— Michelle Maluske (@MMaluskeCTV) May 22, 2015
1st @fina1908 bronze medal for @TeamCanada in #Womens3MSynchro #GoCanadaGo @CTVWindsor
— Michelle Maluske (@MMaluskeCTV) May 22, 2015
Big crowd of Windsor students cheering on divers at the #FINA Diving World Series @CTVWindsor pic.twitter.com/RU8mbwux3i
— Melanie Borrelli (@MBorrelliCTV) May 22, 2015