By Nick Hope
Aquatics correspondent in Rijeka

Ukraine made a winning start to their LEN European Junior Diving Championships campaign with an impressive display in the Mixed Team Event on the opening day competition in Croatia.

The quartet of Karina Hlyzhina, Mark Hrytsenko, Danylo Avanesov and Kyrklo Azarov combined to achieve a total of 377.10 points from the six rounds of competition, which saw them finish top of the standings in the 12-strong final.

Germany (354.90) secured silver, with Spain (310.90) completing the podium places.

Earlier LEN First Vice President Josip Varvodić had spoken of his delighted at seeing the event begin in his home country, during a powerful opening ceremony speech.

Rijeka 2023 will see over 300 14–18-year-old divers contest 17 medal events during seven days of competition in the nation’s third-largest city.

“Rijeka has a long-standing association with hosting impressive diving competitions and has always helped LEN when needed,” remarked Varvodić.

“The organising committee, local sports associations and (LEN) Technical Diving Committee are doing a great job and after strong performances from European divers in Fukuoka (at the senior World Championships last month), I’m excited to see the ‘new blood’ coming through.”

The second day of competition in Croatia will see the first individual and synchronised medals awarded at Rijeka 2023, with the Boys and Girls B (14-15 year-olds) finals followed by the Boys and Girls A/B (14-18 year-olds) 10m synchro finals.

The LEN YouTube Channel will be streaming each event from Rijeka 2023, while live scores can be accessed HERE.

For more information about the competition, head to the official Rijeka 2023 website.

WATCH THE OPENING DAY OF RIJEKA 2023