Verónica Gloria Ribot Canales, a former Olympic diver, shares her remarkable journey back to competitive diving after years of absence in this new exclusive Underwater Chats interview. With excitement, she prepares to compete in the PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships in Buenos Aires, a significant return to her roots after 38 years.
A Journey Through Time
Verónica’s athletic career began in Argentina before she moved to the United States. It wasn’t until she was 17 that a coach saw her potential for diving, leading her to represent Argentina internationally. She recalls the heartbreak of missing the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott, yet she persevered and eventually made it to the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 and the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, where she achieved her best performance.
“I was the only woman in the finals in both events, trampoline and platform. It was my best performance.”
Her passion for diving did not end with retirement; after a break from the sport, she returned to coaching and eventually found her way back to competing in Masters diving, where the atmosphere is more relaxed and community-focused.
Coming Full Circle
Returning to Buenos Aires for the 2026 PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships is not just about competition for Verónica. It’s an emotional reunion with her roots and family. She expresses her joy in reconnecting with loved ones she hasn’t seen in decades.
“It’s like a cycle, returning to where it all started. I feel very Argentinian even though I haven’t lived there for so long.”
Competing at the championships also holds a special meaning as a return from injury, which has not just been about healing physically, but also about finding her way back into the sport emotionally and mentally.
Verónica encourages former athletes to find joy in their sport, engage in physical activity for health, and stay connected with the community.
A Message for Future Athletes
Verónica’s advice to younger athletes navigating their post-retirement phase is clear: maintain your love for the sport.
“You might feel lost after retirement, but you can still train for the love of the sport and your health. It’s about finding that balance and enjoying what you do.”
She also emphasizes the importance of continuing to pursue one’s passion for sports, even after retirement from elite competition. Coaching played a big role in that process for her, because it kept her connected to diving and reminded her that she still had valuable experience to share even when she wasn’t competing herself. From there, demonstrations became an important bridge back into the water. They let her rebuild confidence, reconnect with the feeling of diving, and gradually ease back into competition at her own pace.
As Verónica prepares for her upcoming competition, she invites everyone to experience the warmth and diversity of Argentina firsthand.
“I want to welcome everyone to our country and hope they see the beauty and hospitality we have to offer.”
Join Verónica in celebrating this new chapter in her diving journey, and be part of the vibrant community of Masters athletes who inspire each other to keep going, no matter the challenges.
Register today for the 2026 PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships and create your own Masters story in Buenos Aires.
