2026 Junior Worlds Day Three: Pengxu Lor Leads USA With Ninth Place on Platform
Pengxu Lor advanced to the boys group B (14-15) platform to lead the United States on day three at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships in Rijeka, Croatia.
Lor placed ninth with 378.60 points, highlighted by 72 points on his final dive – a back 2 ½ with 1 ½ twists. Russia’s Miroslav Kiselev took gold at 454.75, and China’s Kan Zilong scored 443.80 for silver. Australian Hayden Brinckley finished with 440.75 for bronze.
Nathan Piotrowski also represented the U.S. on platform and placed 15th with 342.60 points.
The group A (16-18) girls were in action on 1-meter on day three. Ava Jolley led the U.S. with 338.90 points for 15th place. Kayla Jensen scored 322.95 for 19th place. Germany’s Emily Deml took gold with 411.05 points, followed by Canada’s Lila Stewart with 398.80 for silver. Rut Paez of Mexico rounded out the medalists with 389.25 for bronze.
The World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships continue through Friday. Lor competes again Monday when he pairs with Leyton Dean in the boys synchronized platform event. Day four also includes Marleigh DaSilva and Sophia Hoffman in the group A (16-18) girls 3-meter contest, as well as the mixed team event with Hoffman, Dean, Cristiano Garcia and Ella Guo.
