With excitement building in Brazil this weekend, junior high divers Kelly, Picton, Halbisch, and Cardoso are ready to showcase their talent, competing at both the first-ever Junior World Championships and the World Cup from 11-13 October.
Brasilia, Brazil will host both the World Aquatics High Diving Junior Championships and World Cup - second stop, where Maya Kelly (USA), Zach Picton (AUS), Maike Elena Halbisch (GER), and Miguel Cardoso (BRA) are set to compete against both their age and the world’s elite - each looking to leave their mark on the world stage.
Maya Kelly (USA)
The 17-year-old has already made a name for herself by placing 6th at her first World Cup in Bahrain. This weekend, the American native is eager to take on both the Junior Championships and the World Cup in Brazil.
"I am excited to compete at the Junior Championships in Brazil with my age group and younger friends; it will be fun," Maya Kelly said
Zach Picton (AUS)
The 19-year-old is not strange on the high diving scene, having competed in both the Doha and Bahrain World Aquatics High Diving events this year. Picton improved his ranking in Bahrain, finishing 13th after placing 19th in Doha. Now, with eyes firmly set on Brazil, the Australian native is preparing to take on both junior and senior competitions.
Picton shared, highlighting the unique experience of sharing the stage with his idols, "At 19 years old, it is amazing to compete against the heroes I watch on TV. I am happy to not only compete but also be friends with them.”
Maike Elena Halbisch (GER)
The 19-year-old competed at her first high diving World Championships earlier this year in Doha, securing 15th place. Now, she returns to the international stage for her second and third World Aquatics competitions at both the Junior Championships and the World Cup in Brazil.
Miguel Cardoso (BRA)
The 18-year-old high diver will make his high diving debut in front of a home crowd this weekend. Competing in both the Junior Championships and the World Cup