THORNTON – As a junior in 2023, Kailyn Japuntich finished runner-up in the Class 3A diving competition at the state championships by the narrowest of margins.

Just 2.5 points out of hundreds separated the Gunnison senior from her first state championship back then, so she was determined to avoid such a narrow miss in 2024. On Saturday at Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center, Japuntich put up a top score of 457.40 to run away with the diving title by 45.65 points over the nearest competitor.

“I worked really hard throughout the season and I knew I had a chance, so I just tried my best,” Japuntich said.

Japuntich had a 13.4-point lead over Pueblo County’s Lily Nippert heading into the final round. The University of Northern Colorado signee, who also placed eighth as a sophomore in 2022, used her final three dives to pull away for good.

On top of winning the individual gold, Japuntich pulled off the uncommon feat of also being named CHSCA's 3A Diver of the Year, as voted on by the coaches. Claiming even more accolades for Gunnison, Cowboys head coach Meredith Clabaugh was voted CHSCA's 3A Dive Coach of the Year.

“I was not expecting it and I think it’s a great opportunity,” Japuntich said. “Think it’s really amazing for our school because we are a very small school, so we’re not very recognized. So, this just helps us get more recognized.”

Kent Denver’s Dea Mielenz, who tied for 10th place last year, finished runner-up with 411.75 points. St. Mary’s Academy’s Mia Williams was third with a score of 396.65, Pueblo County’s Autumn Zumpf was fourth at 396.65 and Evergreen’s Ails Ocasek was fifth at 394.30.

In sixth place, Nippert finished with a score of 390.50. Eaton’s Maddux Chapman (387.05) was seventh, Estes Park’s Annalise Anderson (386.60) was eighth, Pueblo County’s Avery Mead (380.45) was ninth and Colorado Academy’s Addie Chandler (375.15) was 10th.