[4] During the women's open springboard championships in April 1962, she won the 3-metre event, scoring consistently and eventually building a 10-point lead over closest competitor Patsy Willard.

[7] In March 1963, she won the 3-metre title during the women's national amateur athletic union indoor swimming meet, while finishing runner-up on the 1-metre event.

Smith further expressed his need to prove himself to Talmage to gain her trust and confidence, but that following personal adjustments on both sides, they learned to work very well with each other, describing her as "one of the truly great women divers in the U.S.".

Commenting on her performance, coach Dick Smith said "it is probably the first time any diver has been able to place that high".

[12] While participating in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games during October, her expenses of $200 were paid for the Independent Order of Foresters.