Spotlight: Briana Thai

WESLEY TSAI
Staff Writer

For most athletes, winning a league title is everything. Others just want to qualify for California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoff. The last time a Moor won a CIF title in diving was fifteen years ago. But for one girl, qualifying for CIF was just the start to her season. In 2014, current sophomore Briana Thai took the title once again for AHS.

1. Standing on the diving board in the final round, how did you feel about your situation or chances?

A: I went into the last round really nervous but confident. I had my best and most consistent dive. There were little doubts in my mind having me to hesitate before my dive, but I blocked the bad thoughts out of my head and focused on [being optimistic.] With a winning score of 542.55, I felt really proud and accomplished that I was able to do this at such a young age.

2. How does it feel to be the representative for Alhambra and win the CIF title as a freshman in high school?

A: Being the first diver to represent Alhambra in over 15 years feels really good. Winning the CIF title as a freshman was a little shocking. Competing against juniors and seniors was a little intimidating for me. Other divers took the meet really seriously while I had fun.

3. What are your expectations for the following years?

A: I don’t necessarily expect to win CIF [in] all 4 years of high school, but I just want to perform my dives as well as I can, and I’ll be happy with the results. I would like to attend and dive for Stanford University and I hope to make it into the Olympics.

4. Do you plan on diving for national teams such as the Junior Olympics?

A: Outside of my diving team, I am on the Southern Californian Divers National team, and I am planning on getting top three in U.S. Junior Olympic Nationals in the next two years. I want to get there because the top three divers attend world competitions and I plan on getting there by taking practice more seriously than I already do.