Jordan Skilken
Agunbiade, Skilken Advance to 10-meter Final at Pan American Games
Competition at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile kicked off Friday morning with Nike Agunbiade (Pacifica, Calif./University of Southern California) and Jordan Skilken (Columbus, Ohio/University of Texas) diving in the women’s 10-meter preliminaries.
Agunbiade placed seventh and Skilken finished ninth to advance to Saturday’s final.
Agunbiade scored 298.50 points in Friday’s prelim. After scoring just 43.20 points on her first dive, Agunbiade responded with 62.40 points or higher on each of her remaining four dives to finish seventh in the prelims. Her back 3 ½ tuck went for 66 points, and she earned 64.50 points on her front 3 ½ pike.
“I’m really proud to go out there and represent Team USA. Not a lot of people get to do it, so it’s a huge honor,” Agunbiade said. “I’m excited, but a little nervous (for the final). I just want to go out there and do my best and have fun.”
Skilken finished with 264.45 points in her first international competition. She scored 59.45 points on her back 2 ½ pike and picked up 58.80 points on an inward 2 ½ pike.
“I felt a little bit rocky and it was bit of a slow start, but I’m excited for the final,” Skilken said. “I’m really honored to be representing my country. This is such an amazing experience staying in the village and seeing everyone who’s the best in their sports in their countries.”
Saturday’s competition also features men’s 1-meter preliminaries and finals, with Jack Ryan (Denver, Colo./Stanford University) and Lyle Yost (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Ohio State University) set to represent the United States in that event.
The Pan American Games are being streamed on the Pan Am Sports Channel.