Kristen Hayden is a distinguished American diver who has made significant strides in the sport, notably becoming the first African American woman to win a USA Diving National Championship.
Early Life and Education:
- Born to Kay and Glen Hayden, Kristen grew up in Hillsborough, New Jersey, alongside her older brother, Jon.
- She began diving at the age of 10, quickly developing a passion and talent for the sport.
- Kristen pursued higher education at Indiana University, where she was an All-America diving student-athlete.
Career Highlights:
- At the 2021 USA Diving Winter Nationals, Kristen, alongside her Indiana University teammate Quinn Henninger, clinched the Mixed Synchronized 3-Meter title, making history as the first Black female national champions in USA Diving.
- She also secured a silver medal in the 1-meter dive at the Big Ten Championships, further establishing her prominence in collegiate diving.
Advocacy and Impact:
- Beyond her athletic achievements, Kristen is dedicated to promoting diversity in diving. She actively works to inspire and mentor young athletes, aiming to make the sport more inclusive.
- In a 2024 post, she expressed pride in witnessing increased diversity at USA Diving events, highlighting the growing representation of athletes of color.
Personal Interests:
- Kristen enjoys traveling, shopping, photography, baking, cooking, biking, and exploring various cuisines
