At the IHSA state tournament last weekend, junior Maxim Royzen placed third in the entire state of Illinois for diving with an impressive score of 520.85 after a long winter season.

Royzen has been competing at the state meet since his freshman year, and has placed in the top 20 three times. However, this was the first year that Royzen managed to make it to the top three.

To Royzen, the entire season had been leading up to the past weekend. “I felt relived that the stress of state was over. I was really happy with the way I performed,” Royzen said a few days after the meet.

Still, the training does not stop now that state has passed. Royzen is preparing for the Olympic Trials, which will be taking place in the summer. The competition will be even tougher, and those who qualify will have a chance to participate in the Olympics. Next year, he will undoubtedly make another splash at state once again.

Congratulations to Max on his impressive showing at state!

Image by SodaHead