Angela Ribeiro Wins Two Golds at PanAm Masters
The former Northwestern diver returned to competition at 45 and took two gold medals at the 10th PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships in Buenos Aires.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Swimming
Angela Ribeiro won two gold medals at the 10th PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships in Buenos Aires. Her husband, Alfonso Ribeiro, publicly celebrated her achievements on Instagram.
Why it matters
The results show that a return to competitive diving is possible well into adulthood for athletes who had to step away because of injury. Her comeback adds a notable masters-level result to the public record of a swimmer whose career had been interrupted.
The 10th PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the event at which Ribeiro earned two gold medals. She resumed competitive diving at age 45 after injuries had ended her earlier career.
The players
Angela Ribeiro
A former Northwestern University springboard diver who returned to competition in her mid-40s and won two gold medals at the 10th PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships.
Alfonso Ribeiro
An American actor best known for playing Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, who posted a celebratory message about his wife's achievements.
The details
Ribeiro grew up on a farm in Swedesburg, Iowa, and earned a scholarship to Northwestern University for springboard diving. Injuries forced her to give up competition, and she later earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies before returning to the pool in her mid-40s.
Timeline
February 1981: Angela Ribeiro is born in Iowa.
October 2012: Alfonso and Angela Ribeiro marry.
October 13: Alfonso Ribeiro praises Angela on Dancing with the Stars season 35.
Age 45: Angela Ribeiro returns to competitive diving.
Season Trajectory
The PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships have reached their 10th edition, providing a regional competitive stage for adult swimmers and divers. Ribeiro's two golds add to the competition's record of masters athletes returning to elite-level competition after long breaks.
Ribeiro's results are a reminder that masters-level competition is open to athletes who return to sport after years away. Readers interested in adult swimming can look to masters programs in their own regions.
The takeaway
Returning to a sport after injury and a long gap is possible at any age, and masters competitions give adult athletes a structured route back into racing. Ribeiro's example shows that a second competitive chapter can follow a career interrupted early.
Further reading
For more on adult competitive aquatics, browse our Swimming coverage.
