In late July, Maya Kelly took to the 20m high diving platform for her final high dive at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in fifth place. Minutes later, the 18-year-old college student was standing on the podium with a bronze medal. “I did not think that I was going to get third place going into this competition,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t really believe it at the beginning. It was just a cool experience to see my name in third place.”
World Aquatics caught up with the American in Porto Flavia immediately following her fourth and final high dive in Sardinia following her 11th place performance in the World Cup event.
Take us into that final dive. What’s one word to describe it for you?
Relieved. That was definitely my hardest dive in the competition, and to do it well in these conditions—at a brand new place for me—I’m just really proud of myself and glad it went well.
Looking back at this year, do you have a favourite dive? Where was it and why?
Probably my arm stand dive in Singapore. I was really proud of how it went, and I’ve been super consistent with that dive. Honestly, all my dives this season are things I’m proud of, but that one stands out.
What have you learned this season, especially since it’s one of your first big years on the circuit?
I’ve learned a lot. Diving in new locations is honestly really hard when you haven’t been there before. I think learning from other divers and focusing on being consistent has been the main thing for me.
What’s the difference between structure diving and cliff or natural site diving?
It’s super different! I’m used to diving in pools, not in oceans or seas, so the visuals are totally different. That’s the hardest part for me, but I just remind myself I’ve done these dives so many times—I’ll be fine. I just need to trust my body.
You train in Fort Lauderdale, right?
Yes, I train in Fort Lauderdale and also back home at the University of Minnesota.
How does someone from Minnesota get into high diving? It’s the land of 10,000 lakes, but not many heights!
I learned from my former coaches, Owen and Ellie, who were cliff divers too. That’s how I got into high diving. I travel a lot for it, but not every place has a 20-meter platform, so it’s good to practice off the 10-meter as well. We’re also getting more competitions in Minnesota—like the High Dive Challenge in Duluth this year, which was really cool and helped grow exposure for the sport.
Can you sum up the Porto Flavia experience in one sentence?
A good learning experience—and really good food!
And the Singapore 2025 Worlds?
Challenging, but new and excited for the future.
What’s next for you?
I’m definitely going to rest for a couple of months, but then I’ll get back in the pool, learn some harder dives, and get ready for next season.
You're a student-athlete for the Golden Gophers. What are you studying at the University of Minnesota?
I’m studying psychology.
Do you think that helps in these environments?
Definitely. Mental health is a big thing in diving and in a lot of sports, so understanding it more will be really cool.