In an inspiring milestone, Kristen Hayden made history in 2022 by becoming the first Black woman to win a U.S. national senior diving title.
Hayden, who recently transferred to Indiana University, achieved this remarkable feat with her partner, Quinn Henninger, in the mixed synchronized 3-meter event at the USA Diving winter national championships.
Hayden and Henninger secured their victory with a stellar performance, taking the lead on their third dive and maintaining it through the competition.
Their final dives garnered impressive scores of mostly 7.0s and 7.5s, resulting in a total of 286.86 points, three points ahead of the second-place team of Carson Tyler and Anne Fowler.
Notably, this was the first synchro competition for Hayden and Henninger as a pair.
This achievement places Hayden alongside Mike Wright, who won the 1-meter springboard in 2012, as the only Black divers to clinch U.S. national titles.
Reflecting on her historic win, Hayden expressed her overwhelming emotions:
“I don’t think words can even describe the feeling. You read about people like that, you watch Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Simone Manuel, but when it’s yourself, it’s insane. I think the whole diving community is headed in the right direction and I just want to be a good example for young Black Americans or any minority really for diving in the U.S.”
Hayden’s victory also marks her as the first Black American diver to earn a spot at the world championships, set to take place in May in Japan.
Hayden, who began diving at age 10 and hails from Hillsborough, New Jersey, was previously a team member at the 2016 junior worlds.
In addition to her groundbreaking achievements in the pool, Hayden is a founding member of USA Diving’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, where she continues to advocate for greater representation and opportunities within the sport.
Looking ahead, Hayden will compete in the 3-meter synchro event with partner Margo O’Meara, as well as the individual 1-meter and 3-meter events, further showcasing her talent and determination.
Kristen Hayden’s historic win marks a significant personal triumph and serves as an inspiring example for young Black athletes and minorities in diving and beyond.
