DIVING: The girls 3m springboard finals were full of excitement today, as Australia exceeded expectations and took away four medals. Perth-born Maddison Keeney was awarded silver for her consistently high performances, and teammate Nancy Wang took out the bronze. China’s Qulin Zheng took home the gold, 50 points ahead of the other competitors.

Keeney said of her experience, “I am so excited and I feel very privileged to be able to win a medal for Australia.”

The final wasn’t all perfection though, with both Lara Tarvit of Australia and Ying Zhang of China falling victim to backwards spinning dives and landing on their backs. No physical injuries were sustained, however they were not able to recover on the scoreboard, the mishaps taking away all chance of the girls placing.

The boy’s platform divers showed excellent technique, and competition was very tight. Luke Clohessy of Australia took out the silver medal, an excellent start to his international career.

“It’s great," he said. "I’m so happy. This whole experience has made me really want to go to Rio. I’ve always wanted to go, but the medal ceremony was for me, a real eye opener.”

He credits AYOF ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Matt Mitcham, who is the diving idol of 17-year-old Clohessy. "Getting all of his experience," he said of Mitcham "It’s just great – couldn’t get better.”

Australia continued to place on the podium, coming in at second place for the girls synchronised competition. Teammates Lara Tarvit and Emily Boyd were only 18 points behind dynamic duo Qulin Zheng and Ying Zhang of China. Francesca Del Celo and Georgia Ward of Great Britain filled out the podium.

Diving will continue at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre tomorrow with boy’s and girl’s synchronised 10m platform, followed by the 3m springboard and 10m platform knockout competitions.

Hannah Moore
olympics.com.au