Viola in First Place at Olympic Team Trials

June 21, 2012

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — After a brilliant four-year career at the University of Miami, Brittany Viola is well on her way to making dreams a reality at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

Viola, who finished Wednesday’s preliminary and semifinal rounds of the 10-meter platform in first place, can clinch one of two spots in the event during Sunday’s finals.

“Something about this competition just gets your heart pumping. I’m going to bring the same focus and enjoyment into the finals,” Viola said.

Viola scored 734.30 points on her two 10-meter lists to take first place. In the preliminaries, she scored no lower than 72 points on any dive, including a front 3 ½ pike and an armstand double back somersault with 1 ½ twists that both went for more than 80 points. In semifinals, she opened up with a 10 on her front 3 ½ pike for 82.50 points and followed with 88 points on her armstand.

Viola wasn’t the only Hurricane to impress in the 10-meter platform on Wednesday, however. Carrie Dragland qualified for the semifinals after a strong showing in preliminaries with a score of 287.30. Dragland finished her two 10-meter lists with a total of 547.80, good for thirteenth among all competitors.

Fellow Hurricane Samuel Dorman qualified for the semifinal round of the 3-meter men’s platform with an impressive 341.90 in preliminaries, good for 18th among all divers. In the semifinal round later in the day, Dorman jumped two spots to No. 16, finishing with a score of 702.75 on his two 3-meter lists.

The Trials continue through Sunday, June 24. The first finals are Thursday, with competition in women’s synchronized 3-meter and men’s synchronized 10-meter on tap. For the full release on Wednesday’s action from USADiving.org, click HERE.