Media release for Southampton Diving Academy

Cambridge

Eight of the least experienced divers from Southampton Diving Academy travelled to Cambridge to compete in the Cambridge Flip ‘n Fun competition, coming back with a clutch of medals and some valuable experience under their belts. The team comprised of members of the club's "Fast Track" squad, which nurtures divers recognised as having potential to make good progress in the sport. In all the group came back with 5 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals, every youngster having been on the podium at least once. The most successful diver at the meet was Jamie Bushnell (10) who took gold medals in both the Stage 2 and Stage 3 events in his age group. Putting in a consistent performance throughout Jamie, who is gaining increasing confidence as he gets more competitive experience under his belt, came away with a very good result, particularly considering his length of time in the sport. Close behind Jamie, team mate Lucy Baines (8) also took two gold medals in Stage 1 and Stage 2 in her age group. Lucy performed exceptionally well, taking her Stage 1 title more than 10 points ahead of the silver medallist. Consistency was an important ingredient of her success, but she also put in an outstanding back fall, attracting scores of 9. Colette Bell (12) also had a good meet, taking gold in the Stage 3 event and bronze at Stage 2. Coping well with the pressure of a high standard competition, Colette made good use of a list of dives with an impressive degree of difficulty to take her title. Her inward dive tucked from the 1m springboard was particularly well executed. Millie Harley, coach for the meet, was very impressed by the team's performance. "They dived very well," she said. "Although they were a very inexperienced group, for some of them it was only their first competition away from their home pool, they took it all in their stride and did themselves justice. Every one of them won at least one medal, I was very proud of them." Full results were as follows: Stage 1 William Osborne, silver; Aaron Knight, 5th; Danielle Barnes, bronze; Lucy Baines, gold Stage 2 William Osborne, 5th; Aaron Knight, silver; Jamie Bushnell, gold; Jack Keogh, 5th; Colette Bell, bronze; Danielle Barnes, 6th; Bethan Phillips, 5th; Lucy Baines, gold Stage 3 Jamie Bushnell, gold; Jack Keogh, bronze; Colette Bell, gold; Bethan Phillips, silver

ENDS

For further details call Annie Clewlow, Chair of SDA on 023 8072 0922 / 07910 300232

Photo opportunities can be arranged