SportStars™ Magazine

Star of the week

When it comes to diving, Kristian Ipsen is good. Like world-championship medalist good. Earlier this month, Ipsen — a Clayton resident and soon-to-be senior at De La Salle High — paired with partner Troy Dumais to win the silver medal in the men’s 3-meter synchronized diving at the FINA Diving World Cup in Changzhou, China. Ipsen, who also won his third straight North Coast Section div- ing championship in May, is currently training for a pair of national championship meets.

We were able to catch up to him during a brief moment off the board and out of the pool.

SportStars: When did you know you wanted to be a diver?

Kristian Ipsen: I started doing it when I was 7 years old. I had done some gym- nastics, and I tried swimming and loved the water but just got bored going back and forth. So we put the two together and found diving.
SportStars: What’s the most random thing that’s crossed your mind while on the diving board/platform?

KI: Walking down the board, most athletes are just thinking about the dive and going over pointers. A lot of times, my mind goes to a different place where I’m thinking, ‘Don’t trip, Kristian. Don’t fall off the board.’ Some- times it helps me to be thinking of those other things because I can clear my mind and let my body do what it’s trained to do rather than over-think it.

SportStars: Your family owns Skipolini’s Pizza. Have you asked if they’ll name a pizza after you if you win an Olympic medal?

KI: I haven’t asked, but it’s funny you say that because the restaurant just began these new white pizzas with garlic-creme sauce. One of them is named after my middle name, Bettega. It’s the best one, too. Really good.

Kristian’s Quick Hits

Jamba Juice or Starbucks: Jamba Juice

Most fascinating destination you’ve dived at: Malaysia. That place is crazy.

Best movie you’ve seen recently: Iron Man 2. Sequels aren’t usually that good, but I was impressed.