Diving to Success

Congratulations and good luck to Southampton Diving Academy’s Stacie Powell, Chris Mears and Pete Waterfield. The trio secured their places on the British team for the London Olympic Games which will commence at the end of July. With an excellent performance, Stacie won the National Championships last month and will be competing in the women’s individual platform event. Pete will also compete in the men’s individual platform event as well as the synchronised event with diving partner Tom Daley. Chris is a spring board specialist and will compete in both the individual and synchronised 3m spring board events with his diving partner Nick Robinson-Baker.

Dr David Jessop and Pete Waterfield

Dr David Jessop (pictured above and below with Pete Waterfield) and Emma Patel have been working closely with the athletes over the last year, providing biomechanical feedback and nutritional advice. Both David and Emma have been keen to involve BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science and BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching students in their work with the divers. This has given them great practice and experience in working with elite athletes whilst also providing the perfect surroundings in which to apply what they’ve learned in class. In March, Pete also came in to the University to give a guest lecture and answer questions on his experiences which have seen him win medals in every major diving competition including world cups and a silver at the Athens Olympics in 2004. 

Dr David Jessop and Pete Waterfield

This week saw the final session working with the athletes before they head off to their training camp ahead of the start of the Games. There has been a fantastic atmosphere during the build-up and we wish them all the best in their events.