U.S. opens Pan Am Masters Championships with 12 gold medals

The United States got off to a strong start at the Pan American Masters Championships, winning gold in all 12 events it entered on the opening day of diving competition in Medellin, Colombia.

Kelly Winterbottom won three of those 12 gold medals. She won the 1-meter gold medal in the 60-64 age group. She also teamed up with Gerry Dunn for gold in both mixed synchronized 3-meter and mixed synchronized platform.

The U.S. women also won 1-meter gold in five other age groups, with Rebekkah Houser (40-44), Carissa Zenorini (45-49), Lisa Mitrani (55-59), Joan Chalkley (65-69) and Karen Alderman (70-74) all finishing atop the standings.

The men opened competition on 3-meter and won four gold medals. Casey Pepe (50-54), Steven Figg (55-59), John McGhee (60-64) and John Deininger (80+) all took first in their respective age groups.

Dunn added a silver medal on 3-meter in the 60-64 age group to go along with his two synchro gold medals. Kim Alderman (80+) picked up a 3-meter silver, and Alvaro Echeverri (60-64) claimed a 3-meter bronze.

Two women also won 1-meter silver medals, with Elizabeth Dinello (40-44) and Heather Carrano (45-49) finishing second in their age groups.