Victoria’s comeback queen and Olympic silver medallist, Loudy "the pocket rocket" Wiggins has won the women’s 10 metre platform final at the National Diving Championships in Adelaide.

In a star-studded field and a tightly contested final, Wiggins performed her consistent self to beat South Australia’s Rachel Bugg, followed in third place by Melissa Wu (NSW). Wiggins scored 373.20 points to win the event, from Bugg 348.20 and Wu on 337.40 points. Fourth was Alexandra Croak (NSW) with 324.45 points with Brittany Broben (QLD) finishing sixth with 305.05.

“I didn’t think I would be the National Diving Champion at this stage of my comeback” an excited Loudy said.

“I was under a lot of pressure and having to put my body on the line” she said.

“I’m 32 years old and it’s been a hard road but the right decision to comeback” Wiggins said.

“You can only control what you can and I try really hard to do that. It is a long way to go for my Olympic dream but I am taking one step at a time and this should earn me entry to the World Cup squad in February in London “she said

“I have phoned my husband back in Melbourne who is very proud of me as no doubt my 13 month old baby will be. I am so excited to have won” Wiggins said with a smile.

The  final of the men’s 3 metre springboard event was won by Ethan Warren (QLD) with a score of 481.05, followed by Ken Terauchi, Japan,476.10, then Zihao Wang, China, scoring 467.10. In fourth was Grant Nel (VIC) 453.45 with Beijing Olympian Scott Robertson (NSW) fifth with 439.80.

“I am very happy with my win today” Ethan said. “It has really given me my confidence back after my sickness this year.”

“My results hopefully will qualify me for the World Cup team in London in February” Warren said.

The final of the women’s 3 metre synchro saw seasoned performers, Sharleen Stratton (QLD) and Anabelle Smith (VIC) comfortably win this event with a score of 324.00.In second place were Esther Quin (NSW) and partner Sherilyse Gowlett (QLD) scoring 307.50, followed by Jaele Patrick and Anna Gelai, both from Victoria, scoring 282.60 points.

The final event for day three was the men’s 3 metre synchro event which resulted in a win for Ethan Warren (QLD) who partnered with Grant Nel (VIC). They scored 403.14 to edge out Wang and Wang from China who scored 400.32 points.

Final day:

Beijing Olympic Gold medallist Matthew Mitcham completed his first major competition with a win in the final of the men’s 10 metre platform event on the final day of the National Diving Championships.

After a limited two week preparation as he fully recovers from an abdominal injury, Mitcham (NSW) easily won the gold scoring 480.05 points. In second place was Matthew Barnard (QLD), 430.30, followed by Kazuki Murakami (Japan), 385.40. His final dive included four perfect 10 scores.

“I am pleased with my result today after my limited preparation” he said.

“I am a bit tender but not as bad after the prelims and semi-finals. I have made the qualifying standard and hopefully will be selected for the World Cup team in February in London” Mitcham said

“This was a good test for me today. I can now continue with my final rehab, have a bit of a rest and strengthen all my muscles around the tear” he said.

The final of the women’s 3 metre springboard event saw Sharleen Stratton (QLD) continue her consistent form to win the gold with a score of 333.40. In second place was Jaele Patrick (VIC), 309.85, followed by Anabelle Smith (VIC) 306.10.

“I am so pleased with my result today” said Sharleen. “It keeps my plan on track for Olympic selection next year” Stratton said.

In the final of the women’s 10 metre synchro event, Alexandra Croak and Melissa Wu from NSW, won the gold with a score of 329.58, followed by Rachel Bugg (SA) and Loudy Wiggins (VIC) 324.03. In third was the pairing of Anabelle Smith (VIC) and Brittany Broben (QLD) scoring 312.33.

Diving Australia