News Summary
Twelve-year-old diver AJ Palladino has made a name for himself after clinching second place in the 3-meter springboard event at the USA Diving Nationals. His impressive performances throughout the season, including securing gold medals at various competitions, have garnered attention from his community and recognition from the Lindenhurst Village Board. As he prepares for future competitions, including the 2024 USA Nationals, AJ’s dedication to the sport continues to inspire those around him.
Lindenhurst, NY – Twelve-year-old diver AJ Palladino has made headlines after an impressive performance at the USA Diving Nationals held in Mission Viejo, California, where he secured a second-place finish in the 3-meter springboard event. His achievements have garnered recognition from the Lindenhurst Village Board, highlighting his dedication and skill in the sport.
The USA Diving Nationals, regarded as the “Super Bowl of diving” by AJ’s father, Artie Palladino, served as the final meet of AJ’s diving season. Reflecting on his journey, AJ noted significant improvements in his scores when compared to the previous year. Earlier in the season, he achieved first place in all three events—the 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard, and platform—at the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Nationals. Additionally, he continued his winning streak at the YMCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida, where he earned the title of Male Diver of the Meet for his impressive point margin.
AJ’s talent extends beyond national competitions; he has also competed internationally in Croatia at the Rijeka International competition, where he secured a second-place finish on the platform. His mother, Rachel Palladino, expressed how these experiences abroad have significantly contributed to his growth both as an athlete and a person. Travel has become a vital part of AJ’s diving journey, with memorable trips to Venice and Croatia.
As AJ prepares for further competitions, he has recently made strides in his training by competing on the challenging 10-meter platform for the first time. He trains rigorously under the guidance of coaches Tom Cornelia, Johan Lopez, and George Taylor III at Long Island Divers. Coach George Taylor III commended AJ’s commitment, passion for the sport, and his role as a mentor to younger divers, highlighting his impressive form and serious approach to practice.
AJ is set to enter the seventh grade at Lindenhurst Middle School this fall, and he remains dedicated to improving his skills during the off-season. He recently attended a diving clinic in West Virginia to enhance his technique further. His commitment to the sport is evident, as he trains four days a week, while still finding time to enjoy life with family and friends, including leisure activities such as jumping on a trampoline.
In addition to his recent achievements, including winning three gold medals at the AAU Red, White, and Blue Nationals in Texas, AJ looks forward to the upcoming 2024 USA Nationals and the 2028 Olympic Trials. He has prequalified for semi-finals in all events and is slated to compete in Rome later this month.
As AJ continues to pursue his diving career, his family is actively seeking sponsorship to support the associated costs of training, competition travel, and coaching fees. AJ also has a presence on TikTok, where he shares his diving experiences and can be followed at @AJdives.
AJ’s journey into diving began at age eight when his parents enrolled him in a summer class offered by the Town of Babylon. Since then, he has emerged as one of the top divers in his age group, generating excitement for his potential future in the sport. Voters can support AJ’s pursuit of being recognized as Youth Athlete of the Year by voting daily at athleteoftheyear.org/2025/Arthur-e90d.
In conclusion, AJ Palladino’s relentless dedication to diving and remarkable achievements at both national and international levels continue to inspire his local community and promise a bright future as he eyes Olympic trials in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- Amityville Record: AJ Palladino Dives into National Spotlight
- Wikipedia: Diving (sport)
- Babylon Beacon: Lindenhurst’s Olympic Hopeful AJ Palladino
- Google Search: Diving Competition
- Daily Voice: AJ Palladino has Sights on Olympic Trials
- Google Scholar: Diving Athlete Training
- Babylon Beacon: Brumidi Lodge Swears in New Members
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Olympic Trials
- Babylon Beacon: Cannella Named 2025 Conklin Award Winner
- Google News: Diving News
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
