On November 2 and 3, the fourth World Cup for Pool Sport Diving (PSP) was held for the first time in France, in Nîmes. The cradle of the discipline, the city hosted five nations for two days of competition. While Russia dominated the podium, the French held their own.PSP. The acronym of a young discipline born on Russian soil. No one was surprised to see them dominate the podiums on Friday and Saturday during the PSP World Cup. The competition featured France, Russia, Germany, Morocco, and Estonia, across seven events. Initiated by the FFESSM, PSP celebrates its seventh year in France with a growing number of practitioners. The goal: to make diving a competitive sport.
Collecting a total of ten medals, the ten regional French teams flew their flag to the second place in medal standings right behind Russia. Notably, in the combined event—a 100-meter course with obstacles—with the bronze medal won by Maela Fortin and Axelle Gevrey, two young divers from Normandy.
Arnaud France and Nicolas Van Tieghem, second and third in the parachute event. © Julia Maz-Loumides
The French athletes have only to train this winter to prepare for the next challenge: the French championship which will take place in Limoges on May 11 and 12, 2019.
Text and photos: Julia Maz-Loumides