Abu Dhabi, UAE – Eight Seminoles competed at the 2021 Aquatics Festival in Abu Dhabi that were held from Dec. 16-21. Seven swimmers raced in the 15th FINA World Championships (25m), while former standout Molly Carlson competed in the FINA High Dive World Championship qualifier.
While representing Team Canada, Carlson took home the silver medal in the women’s 20m high diving event, finishing with a score of 323.50. Her performance qualified her for the 19th FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in May of 2022.
“I am so happy to be up there at one of my first FINA events. This is how it has been going in practice, and I am just glad that I was able to do it in a competition,” Carlson said. “Abu Dhabi is amazing; I am honored to be here. It has been so fun mixing regular diving, swimming, and all sports, and having our 20-meter platform out here is a dream come true.”
Carlson was also invited to compete on the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving circuit as a permanent diver.
In the pool, both Izaak Bastian and Julio Horrego turned in personal bests in the 50m breast and 100m breast, setting national records for their respective countries.
Former Seminole Ida Hulkko raced in the final of the 50m breast, touching in sixth place with a time of 29.88.
“We had some great performances across the board,” FSU head coach Neal Studd said. “We had some best times, national records and some solid swims and that’s all you can ask for on the biggest stage of our sport. I’m very proud of all of our Noles that represented FSU well.”
Izaak Bastian – Bahamas
100m breast – 30th – 59.61
50m breast – 24th – 27.24
Mixed 4x50 free relay – 12th – 1:36.43