Image credit: CFJC Today/Curtis Goodrum

By Marty Hastings

IN THE POOL

Wadsworth, Powell of KGTC Diving club storm podium at nationals

Jul 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Philippe Wadsworth and Rykker Powell of the Kamloops Gymnastics and Trampoline Centre [KGTC] Diving Club reached the podium at the Diving Canada Speedo Junior Development National Championships earlier this month in Winnipeg.

Both 11-year-old athletes were competing in the 10- and 11-year-old division – and Wadsworth was dominant.

He was named the outstanding diver in his age group after winning three gold medals, finishing first in the one- and three-metre springboard and the platform.

“Some of the dives weren’t what I expected, but I didn’t let that take me down and get in my mind,” said Wadsworth, who won one gold medal and two bronze medals last year at nationals.

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“I got better at my harder dives and I learned a few more dives and that helped me. And I did really good in some of my dives and they’re hard, so I got higher points.”

Powell is three years into his competitive diving career and proving a quick study, winning bronze medals at nationals in the one-metre springboard and platform events.

“I think I just am very coachable,” Powell said. “I just try to listen to my coach because I know it’ll make me a lot better.”

The KGTC divers are coached by Neil Barrett and pushing each other to achieve their common goal of competing internationally for Canada.

“We do push each other and we comfort each other,” Powell said. “And he pretty much feels like my brother.”

Added Wadsworth: “We have a good relationship. We push each other and we have a really good friendship.”