SNOHOMISH — At age 12, Addison Farman made a big decision that led to a pair of state titles.
Farman competed in gymnastics at a high level through much of her early childhood, but an injury and desire for something different led her to diving coach Mark Hughes and a diving platform at the Snohomish Aquatic Center.
“It was terrifying,” said Farman of her early dives. “…You learn to love the thrill of going off. I wouldn’t say it gets easier, but you learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Six years after the sport change, Farman has a pair of Class 4A state championship diving medals and will head to the University of Nebraska next fall to continue her diving career.
“It was a surreal moment,” said Farman, a senior who outpaced the field of 24 divers with a final score of 407.40 — 22.2 points above runner-up Samantha Keith of Bothell. “I was definitely taking it minute by minute. I think that’s what got me to where I was. I wasn’t thinking about the outcome — I was thinking about each dive.”
Of the 11 state dives, Farman’s best proved to be her first of three in the final round — a back, one-and-a-half flips with one-and-a-half twists.
“It’s my second-hardest dive, difficulty-wise, and that dive I had been struggling with the whole year,” Farman said. “Having it be my best one at state was incredible.”
Farman led after each of the contest’s three rounds, but felt the weight that comes with expectations to repeat as champion.
“I felt more pressure coming in this year,” said Farman, a Herald Athlete of the Week nominee. “But I prepared myself mentally to come in ready for this meet, so I think that’s how I was able to keep my composure and not let the pressure get to me.”
It was a strong day for local divers.
The Grizzlies placed a second diver on the 4A medals stand with GP junior Claire Butler’s fourth-place finish.
Archbishop Murphy’s Samantha Mandeville won a second-straight 2A title. Mandeville, also a senior, dominated the 2A competition, scoring 344.10 points. Marysville Pilchuck’s Jill Thomas placed second with 243.15 points.
In the 3A competition, two Monroe divers took home medals with Madelyn Clark placing third and Brynn Magelsen fourth. Shorecrest’s Berkley Gorre took fifth.
Jackson’s Timbre Grevenkamp took seventh to help the Timberwolves lead all area teams with a third-place team finish in the 4A division.
Results for all state swimming and diving events can be found here.
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