Former UNC diver Aranza Vazquez made an impressive performance in the Paris Olympics 3-meter springboard preliminary round, securing third place with a score of 321.75. Her excellent performance earned her a spot in the semifinals scheduled for Thursday. Representing Mexico, Vazquez displayed her dominance right from the start of the competition.
During her second dive, Vazquez executed a strong throw off the board and smoothly transitioned into her pike position, earning a score of 69.75, the highest in the second round. This propelled her to the top of the leaderboard and garnered praise from UNC and Team Mexico diving coach Yaidel Gamboa, who celebrated her performance with a fist pump after her third dive, which scored 64.50 on 2 ½ somersaults.
Vazquez expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her coach, teammates, and friends in North Carolina, where she trained leading up to the Olympics. She credited her training in North Carolina and the encouragement from her loved ones for contributing to her success in the competition. Vazquez also mentioned the impact of crowd support on her performance, noting the overwhelming support from Mexican fans in Paris.
Having previously competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Vazquez reflected on the differences between the two games, highlighting the importance of crowd support in boosting her performance. She emphasized the positive mindset and mental preparation she focused on in the past four years, aiming to alleviate the pressure to always perform at her best.
During her time at UNC, Vazquez achieved significant success, including four NCAA titles, All-American honors, and being named the 2023 ACC women’s diver of the year. With her sights set on an Olympic gold, Vazquez acknowledged the unpredictability of the outcome but expressed her determination to enjoy the experience and give her best effort.
As a student reporter from UNC Media Hub covering the Summer Olympics in Paris, Maya Waid captured Vazquez’s journey and aspirations at the international competition. Vazquez’s pursuit of an Olympic medal reflects her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to achieving her goals in the world of diving.