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Four students from Southampton joined the British Team in Bangkok, Thailand in August, competing at the World University Games. Representing their country in the springboard and highboard diving events the youngsters, who all train at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, were priviledged to take part in the second largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games. Over 10,000 athletes took part across a wide range of sports. Britain sent the largest contingent ever for a World University Games outside of Britain with a total of over 230 athletes and officials in the party. For Charly Tomkys (22) it was her last competitive outing before she hangs up her shammie to concentrate on coaching. Going out with style she made an international personal best score on the 1m board, maintaining a steady performance throughout, with just one dive not up to her usual standard. Charly already has considerable coaching experience under her belt, having taken young hopeful, Max Brick (15) through his early years in diving to a standard where he has been selected to train with the British squad aiming for the London Olympics. Another of her squad, Emily Alderman (15) joined Max in the British team at the Junior Europeans this summer. Also competing on 1m springboard, Tom Owens (21) gave a fantastic showing with a result beyond his own expectation. Taking 9th place in the preliminary round, with an international personal best, he went on to finish in a very creditable 12th place. On highboard Stacie Powell (21) did well to come back from time out from training with a shoulder problem to take 12th place in the final. Recently back from a very successful debut on the world high diving circuit, Gary Hunt (22) gave a good quality steady performance on highboard, with international personal bests in both the prelims and semi-finals to take 16th place overall. Gary also went on to partner Tom in the synchronized highboard event, where they took 7th place against stiff competition on their first outing as a pair. Director of Coaching, Lindsey Fraser, was delighted with the outcome. "The standard of competition was incredibly high, with numerous Olympians, including 4 gold medalists, amongst the competitors" she said. "The team performed really well and it was a thoroughly enjoyable Games." |
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| For further details call Lindsey Fraser: 023 8072 0922 / 07810 305355 or email Lindsey.fraser@southampton.gov.uk |
| Photo opportunities can be arranged |