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Divers from Southampton Diving Academy traveled to London to compete in the first Wally Clark Memorial Cup competition during March and came back with a clutch of medals and the team trophy. The competition was staged in memory of a significant figure in British Diving, Wally Clark, Head Coach from Merton School of Diving and Trampolining who died on 11th October 2006. Elite coach from Southampton Diving Academy, Steve Gladding started his own diving career here in Southampton in 1983, but moved to train with Wally Clark in 1985 when it became obvious that he needed additional coaching to fulfil his potential. “Although I was only with Wally for a short while I have very fond memories of my time with the Merton School of Diving,” he explained. Taking 4 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals between them, the Southampton team of 23 dominated the contest, taking the trophy with 162 points against the home team, Merton School of Diving and Trampolining, who scored 83 points. Gold medalists were Chelsey Stewart (7), Catherine Tilling (10), Senna Leighton (12) and Steve Knapp (14). The youngest member of the team, Chelsey Stewart, continued her run of success, taking her 7th gold medal from 7 competitions. Diving consistently well throughout the competition she showed real promise for the future. Consistency was again a key factor in giving Catherine Tilling her medal, with high quality dives throughout the competition. Her forward dive in the fourth of six rounds was particularly outstanding, attracting a score of 9 points from one of the judges. Senna Leighton, diving in Group C, outclassed the rest of the field, coming away almost 30 points ahead of the silver medalist. With a forward line up which brought in a score of 9.5 he showed himself to be right at the top of what could be achieved at this level. A newcomer to diving, Steve Knapp, who only joined the club this year, did outstandingly well to take gold in his first outing. As he develops greater consistency with experience his will be a name to watch out for. Head coach for the trip, Steve Gladding, was very impressed with the team. “This was a relatively inexperienced team and they did us proud,” he said. “Not only did they look very classy, but they all conducted themselves brilliantly and supported one another very enthusiastically. I was proud to head up the team at what was an important meet for me personally.” Full results were as follows:
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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 |