Media release for Southampton Diving Academy

Southampton diver takes silver at Youth Olympics

Young Southampton diver Max Brick has taken a huge step towards the London 2012 Olympics, winning a silver medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney, in the synchronised 10 metre event. Max, 16, took silver alongside partner James Milton, 14, and in doing so became the first diver from Southampton ever to win a medal at the event. In his first appearance at the Youth Olympics, Max performed well in his first event - the 10m individual platform - finishing just outside the medals in fourth place. In his second event, Max teamed up with Sheffield's James Milton in the 10m synchronised platform event. The pair were competing together for the first time following the late withdrawal of Max's regular partner, Chris Mears, due to illness. The new partnership proved to be a great success as the pair produced a fantastic performance, claiming second place and a silver medal behind China. Max first began diving 6 years ago at a taster session at The Quays, where he was spotted by Southampton Diving Academy coaches and told to try out for the academy. He now trains at The Quays 8 times a week with coach Lindsey Fraser, and is benefitting from the proven high quality coaching offered by Southampton Diving Academy which has produced a number of Olympians including Peter Waterfield, Stacie Powell and Blake Aldridge. Max hopes to continue the tradition of Southampton divers representing Team GB at the Olympics by emulating these local Olympic divers and competing for Team GB in 2012. ENDS Notes to Editor Southampton Diving Academy offers diving lessons for all ages and abilities at The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex. Lessons and coaching are available for recreational and competitive diving for children and adults. The club aims to ensure that all their members have the opportunity to fully enjoy the sport of diving whilst reaching their individual potential. For more information please contact: Southampton Diving Academy, The Quays Swimming & Diving Complex, Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA 023 8072 0922

ENDS

For further details call Lindsey Fraser on 023 8072 0922 / 07810 300355 or email lindsey.fraser@southampton.gov.uk.