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A group of twenty six divers from Southampton Diving Academy travelled to Luton to compete in the Kingfisher Challenge on 23rd and 24th November, returning with the team trophy and 22 medals between them. The team, who all train at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, scooped 9 gold, 8 silver and 2 bronze medals in the individual events and a further 2 golds and a bronze in the pairs competition. Taking 2 golds and a silver Georgie Wingrove (11) topped the medal table for the club. Diving consistently throughout Georgie had a fantastic weekend, using a newly learnt back 1 ½ somersaults with 1 ½ twists on both 3m springboard and 5m platform to take silver and gold respectively in the individual events. In the pairs Georgie rose to the challenge of partnering Olympic medalist, Peter Waterfield. In a nail biting finish in the final dive-off against internationals Tandy Gerard and 13 year old Thomas Daley, recent winner of the BBC TV Young Sportspersonality of the year, they took gold with a narrow margin. Back on form after months of battling against injury, Peter took gold on 3m springboard, then followed up with an inspirational display in the pairs, which included scoring 10's on his reverse 2 ½ somersaults with tuck from the 5m platform, clinching the title. Eleanor Phillips (10) did fantastically well to take 2 golds on 1m springboard and 5m platform. After a shaky start in the 1m preliminaries, taking her into the final in last position, she nonetheless took the opportunity of a clean slate to raise her game and come home with the title. Also diving in the youngest age group, Alistair Khakoo (10) took gold on the 1m springboard, despite hitting the board during practice the previous day, which necessitated a change in the list of dives used during the competition. Fellow team mate, Lewys Oakley (9) took gold on 5m platform, making good use of his back 1 ½ somersaults with ½ twist. He was the youngest diver in the competition to demonstrate this skill. In the senior events Stacie Powell (22) and Blake Aldridge (25) both took golds on 1m and Louise Van Hoof (20) took the gold on 3m springboard, all giving the spectators an exciting show. Director of Coaching, Lindsey Fraser, was very enthusiastic about the results. "We took the team trophy with a very convincing lead," she said, "further demonstrating that Southampton is right at the top in Britain just now. I was more than happy with the team's showing and am looking forward to a really good season from them all." Lindsey was also the recipient of the trophy for the most successful coach at the meet. Full individual results:
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| For further details call Lindsey Fraser on 023 8072 0922 / 07810 300232 or email lindsey.fraser@southampton.gov.uk. |
| Photo opportunities can be arranged. |