Dorman, Nees Take Championship in 3M Synchro
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Sam Dorman became the first Hurricane to ever capture three gold medals at the National Diving Championships, partnering with teammate Zac Nees to earn first place in the 3-meter synchronized event Sunday.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Dorman, who also took first in the 1-meter and 3-meter events earlier in the week. “Before I came here, I thought about [winning three events], but I never expected this would actually happen. I’m speechless.”
Dorman, whose three gold medals also earned him the men’s high point award, won his final medal when he and Nees came through with 390.33 points in the synchronized 3-meter final. They were in second place with two rounds to go and took the lead with 80.58 points on their fifth dive, an inward 3 ½ tuck.
They finished out their list with 77.52 points on a front 2 ½ with 2 twists, giving Dorman his third gold and Nees his first.
“I think it validated all of Sam’s hard work,” Ableman said. “He has been crazy into what he is doing, and always very motivated. He wants to do more and more. It’s great for the team and great for me, with him always pushing up our level of intensity.”
In Ableman’s 23 years at the helm of the Hurricanes diving program, no student-athlete had ever won three gold medals at the event before Dorman accomplished the feat Sunday.
“He has something the other guys don’t have,” Ableman said. “He can do the hardest dives in the world. If we can continue to get him more consistent and keep pushing forward, he can not only be the best diver in the country, but perhaps internationally as well.”
Nees, who competed alongside Dorman this summer at both the World University Games and the National Diving Championships, earned his first career national championship with Sunday’s impressive performance.
“I’m very excited for Zac,” Ableman said. “It’s a shame it’s his senior year, I wish he had more time. I think this is really going to be a springboard for a great year for him. Having these results, and facing his last year of collegiate competition, I think he is really going to do everything he can.”
For Ableman, the possibility of summer success transitioning into the 2013-14 regular season has provided ample buzz internally.
“Everyone has their own story,” Ableman explained. “Thea [Vock] hasn’t been in a real competition in over a year, so she’s chomping at the bit to return. Lindsay Lester broke a bone in her hand at NCAA’s and she’s been off all summer too. These people want to get back in, they’re motivated, and everyone is really excited. I know how fast time goes. I want to make this one of the best years we’ve ever had.”
