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A member of Southampton Diving Academy's Senior Elite Squad was selected to represent Great Britain in the China Grand Prix held in Zhuhai last week and came back with a bronze medal. Monique McCarroll (25), who is coached by Steve Gladding, a UK Sport Elite coach seconded to the club, was one of a team of just 4 divers who flew out to compete in a contest that attracted over 10 countries, including the top diving nations: China, Canada, Australia and Russia. Competing in the highboard events Monique took 6th in the individual competition with a score of 301 points. The highlight of her list was her armstand back triple somersault in the pike position, being the first woman in the world to perform this skill in competition. The dive earned her over 60 points and the admiration of her peers. In the synchronized platform event together with partner Sarah Barrow from Plymouth, Monique put in a steady performance whose high point was a back 2 ½ somersaults with 1 ½ twists, attracting a score of 73 points. Their consistency earned them a well deserved bronze medal in their first Grand Prix together. Coach, Steve Gladding, was delighted with the outcome. "The whole team worked together very well," he said, "which I am sure contributed to some excellent performances, including some personal bests. The girls' synchronicity is steadily improving as the partnership matures and we can hope to see some very exciting performances from these two if this promising start to the season is anything to go by." Monique represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Games last year and is now preparing for another international outing to Canada in May. She is also developing a promising coaching career and will shortly be taking responsibility for a small group of younger divers aspiring to compete in the National Skills finals in Plymouth this summer. |
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| For further details call Lindsey Fraser, Director of Coaching on 023 8072 0922 / 07810 305355 or Annie Clewlow, Chair of SDA on 023 8072 0922 / 07910 300232 |
| Photo opportunities can be arranged |