Diving Team Performed Strong Despite Loss

To the editors:

I’d like to take issue with the recent article “Princeton Dynasty Survives Last Race,” (Sports, March 1).

While it is factually correct, the tone is negative and does not give due credit to the very strong performance of the divers. Despite one missed dive in the 3-meter contest, it was virtually impossible for us to take the lead without a very poor performance by Princeton—something beyond our control.

And while it states that we “could only muster a 4-5-6 finish,” it should be noted that this was the best 3-meter finals finish that Harvard has ever had at the Ivy League Championships. Harvard outscored every other diving squad at the meet this year, 22 points ahead of Yale, 36 points ahead of Princeton and 48 points ahead of Columbia.

Furthermore, Anne Osmun has improved tremendously over three years here. Her score in the 3-meter final in 2002 was 397.05. Last year it was 442.40 (after a 392.25 preliminary score). This year she scored her best ever—450.90 in the final, almost 14 point higher than her preliminary score from a day earlier.

Anne stood up to the challenge under incredible pressure, as did all three of our divers (and the rest of the swim team). I am very proud of their success this year.

Keith Miller

March 1, 2004

The writer is coach of the Harvard Diving Team.