A diver executes a dive off the platform during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The 2023 USA Diving Junior National Championships is underway at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex, home of the Mission Viejo Nadadores Swim Club.
The competition, which takes place from July 23 through Aug. 1, is the most prestigious junior event that USA Diving hosts as it determines which divers will represent the U.S. at the Junior Pan American Championships in Peru at the end of August.
This is the first time since 2007 that the USA Diving Junior National Championships is being held in Mission Viejo as well as the first time since 2010 that it is being held on the West Coast.
Mayor Brian Goodell said the city “loves hosting this event” because “it showcases the qualities of excellence and dedication engrained in the athletes, coaches and volunteers who participate in these events. It also provides our residents and young people an example they can aspire to and follow.”
Pointing to the economic benefit for Mission Viejo to host the vent, Goodell called it a “win-win for everyone.”
A diver executes a dive off the platform as other divers watch and wait their turn to dive during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver executes a dive off the springboard during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver comes off the springboard during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver comes off the springboard during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver is inches from entering the water as she executes a dive off the diving board during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver executes a dive off the springboard during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver concentrates as he prepares for a dive off the platform during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A diver executes a dive off the springboard as other competitors and coaches look on during the USA Diving Junior National Championships at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Over 600 of the top junior divers from across the country will be competing in in four events and three age groups July 23-August 1. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The competition features 600 of the top junior divers from around the country competing in four events — springboard, one-meter, three-meter and platform — across three different age groups.
Over the course of the week, 28 individual titles will be awarded as well as 10 team titles.
“The event has been running fantastic so far,” said Nadadores’ performance director, John Appleman. “The facility looks amazing and the divers are performing.”
Other than the competition itself, the event is bringing many activities and opportunities for families and athletes alike.
Alohana Acai Bowls and Handel’s Ice Cream are two local businesses that will be providing attendees with sweet and refreshing treats.
USA Diving will also be holding a social media contest for the young divers. The diver with the most likes on either an Instagram or TikTok post using #MissionJrNationals will receive an exclusive pair of glasses from the event’s main sponsor, TYR.
Additionally, the Marguerite Aquatic Complex is inviting all diving alumni from years past to a reunion on July 29.
“We are thrilled to host this national event in Mission Viejo. I’m confident the Nadadores will do a tremendous job as we welcome divers from across the country to Southern California,” said Lee Michaud, President of USA Diving.
There is still time to buy tickets for the event which can be purchased online at USA Diving. The competition is also being live-streamed on USA Diving’s YouTube page.
