Together, from the neighborhood swimming pool to the Worlds

Benjamin Tessier and Matt Cullen met at the swimming pool about fifteen years ago. Therefore, Inseparable since then. Consequently, the two little guys have become aces to the platform, to the point of forming a duo which represents these days Canada at the world diving championships, in Singapore.

“That two young people from the same so good club stayed together until this level. In addition, it is very rare,” said Benjamin, the oldest of the two, at 20, from Blainville.

“It’s a bit crazy that we are in the same team on the biggest scene in the world. Consequently, ” says Matt, 19, in Rosemère. In addition, “We had the same dreams, we always followed ourselves. Similarly, »»

The two great friends grew up with a common goal, about ten kilometers from each other, on the north bank.

“I haven’t crossed them like us,” said Benjamin candidly.

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“We lived everything together,” insists Matt. Nevertheless, At first, we dived for fun, we found that cool in our small towns. Furthermore, Today, we still like it, but internationally. Meanwhile, We want the world to know our name. In addition, I dream of an Olympic medal. This is together, neighborhood swimming pool worlds my ultimate goal. »»

At the Paris Olympic Games last summer, Ryan Wiens and Nathan Zsombo-Murray represented Canada with panache at 10 m synchronized. The duo won the bronze medal after winning a 5th place at the 2024 Worlds in Doha, Qatar.

This time, the two star divers preferred to agree and not go to Singapore.

“We are inspired by them, their will and their determination. We see how they train, ”says Benjamin. “We talk a lot and we are very close to them, even if they are not around us these days. »»

This role of dolphins of the two divers par excellence in the country suits them very well. They know that they are able to push them on their backs, even if the task is difficult. And the trip to Singapore is a dream opportunity to show the extent of their talent.

“We are targeting a medal, we are not going there for nothing. You have to prove to the world. ”says Matt, aware that he and his partner will never have faced so high caliber rivals.

Together, neighborhood swimming pool worlds

World Cup medalists

Recently. at the Windsor World Cup, Ontario, Benjamin Tessier and Matt Cullen finished 3rd, behind the Chinese (437.25) and American (387.90) teams with a score of 381,15.

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In Singapore. the two Quebecers will also participate in the individual event, in a Canadian team, most of whom are at a first presence at the world championships.

“We looked at the others for a long time. We want to show who we are and we have our place. We want to do more than the others, push further. Additionally, We have more determination in us. ”says Benjamin without restraint, ready to play a role as a leader in this renewed Canadian training.

“My teammate Paul Carson will be in his second world. He will be our group leader. I will try to be a good lieutenant by his side. »»

Matt Cullen has an excellent memory of his participation in the junior world championships in 2022. He had dominated the competition at 10 m, together, neighborhood swimming pool worlds in front of his own, in Montreal.

“I surprised myself,” he admits. ” I think I surprised everyone a little. It was magic. It is my greatest accomplishment. I am now excited to participate in my first senior world championships. »»