|
Southampton Diving Academy's Novice Squad was out in force at the National Skills Final in Plymouth in July. The competition, which rounded off a challenging season for the 21-strong team, attracted the best novice divers from across the country and is an important stepping stone for those aspiring to the highest levels of the sport long term. The only medalist was Scott Palmer (9) who took the bronze in his age group. With several of his skills attracting 8's from the judges, Scott dived consistently well from poolside and 3m springboard. He was unfortunate to put in a back jump tucked off the 1m well below his usual standard, leaving speculation as to the possible colour of his medal had he performed to expectations. Thomas Wrightson (9) also did well to be placed 6th in the same event. Across the board the divers performed well, 18 re-making the qualifying standard and most making higher scores than in the regional qualifying competition held in June. Head coach at the meet, Charly Tomkys, was full of praise for the team. "Although to an outsider just one medal may not look like a great result, it is important to put that into context with our club's outlook," she explained. "SDA is all about giving divers the chance to get right to the top, so the majority of the divers pass through the lower levels of competition fast and we enter them for novice events at a national level very early in their careers. These results were excellent, considering the relative inexperience of the majority of the team and a real tribute to the hard work of the divers and their coaches." The divers are now taking a well earned two week summer break and will join new training groups in the autumn with a view to moving up to the next level of competition during the coming season. Full results:
|
| ENDS |
| For further details call Lindsey Fraser on 023 8072 0922 / 07810 300355 or email lindsey.fraser@southampton.gov.uk. |