Medal Rush for WAIS Divers at Elite Junior Champs

WAIS athletes competing at the Australian Elite Junior Diving Championships have completed a successful campaign in Sydney, snaring three gold and two bronze medals.

Teju Williamson’s win in the Girls’ A 10m platform highlighted the week, with the 16 year-old also netting a bronze medal in the 3m springboard.

WAIS Diving Head Coach Shannon Roy was delighted with Williamson’s achievements particularly in her first year in A level.

“She smashed her scores from last year, despite going up an age group and against girls with extra experience,” Roy said.

“It was fantastic diving, especially on springboard given her minimal prep due to going to Madrid for platform the week prior to leaving for nationals,” he said.

Tamara Irvine enjoyed a productive campaign, winning gold medals on the 1m and 3m springboard in the Girls B age group.

“A huge improvement overall from last year,” Roy said. “Her 3m score this year would have finished second in the age group above, which bodes very well and is very encouraging for next year’s junior worlds selection.”

Irvine also collected a bronze medal on platform, meaning she medalled in each event she contested.

Former gymnast Nikita Hains narrowly missed out on the medals, finishing fourth in the platform, fourth on the 3m springboard and fifth on 1m.

Having transitioned through a talent identification program, coach Roy was encouraged with Hains progress.

“Outstanding results given she was in TID this time last year and only competed the 1m at last nationals. Only nine months with WAIS and she’s become a player in the mix and someone the other girls are worried about.”

Alex Smedley was fourth in the Boys’ A Platform and sixth on the 3m springboard and Roy believes with time, his moment will come.

“He’s doing more difficult dives on the platform, so he managed to step up and compare big dives with the other boys. He just needs some more time and experience with them.”