Freshman diver Mackenzie Willborn captured a silver medal for the United States on the final day of the Junior Pan American Championships Sunday in Matanzas, Cuba.
Willborn, who hails from Flower Mound, Texas, teamed with Emily Grund in the synchronized 3-meter event in the combined 14-18 age group. The duo totaled 262.32 points to take second behind Mexico’s Maria Lopez and Laura Vasquez, who won the competition with a score of 278.34 points.
“Everybody was cheering really loud. It was really awesome having everyone supporting us, and I think that helped a lot with the nerves. It was my first medal and my last junior competition, so it was a good note to end on,” Willborn said.
Willborn and Grund’s silver helped the U.S. round out the four-day meet with 16 total medals (four gold, four silver and eight bronze).
A 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, Willborn has previously represented the U.S. at the 2014 FINA Junior World Championships and at the 2013 Junior Pan American Championships. She began her collegiate career earlier this month by winning the women’s 3-meter event in a Blue Devil victory over Pittsburgh.
