Freeman Wins 3-Meter at World Championship Trials

May 20, 2013

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former University of Iowa diver Deidre Freeman won the 3-meter springboard at the USA Diving World Championship Trials to advance in a second event for the 2013 FINA World Championships.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with her performance,” said UI diving coach Todd Waikel. “She has been the most consistent I have seen her. I am happy she has been able to keep doing the things she has been doing in practice on a daily basis.

“Deidre has been training to be consistent, and she was consistent. That as a coach, is something you want to see. Not only was she consistent, but she also stepped up and was extremely competitive. Those two things equaled success, and I couldn’t be happier or more proud.”

Freeman finished the 3-meter competition with 579 points, 3.05 points ahead of runner-up Samantha Pickens. The Grinnell, Iowa, native will now compete in Barcelona, Spain, in two events, as she previously qualified in the 1-meter springboard last week.

Freeman also tallied a third-place finish in the 3-meter synchronized competition while competing alongside Kaylea Arnett. The duo finished with 569.91 points.

Freeman will next compete at the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia, on July 6-17 before heading to Barcelona for the FINA World Championships on July 19 through August 4.