Nikita Hains earns Olympic debut

WAIS diving graduate Nikita Hains has earned her Olympic debut with selection to the Australian Olympic Team for the Tokyo Games.

After spending four years in the WAIS Diving Program, Hains graduated to the Adelaide National Training Centre in 2019. A strong performance at the Oceania Championships in late 2019, winning the 10m platform earned Australia a second spot in the event for Tokyo.

While part of the job was done, Hains still needed to impress selectors to earn herself the spot at the Games. With limited international since due to COVID-19, the National Championships including selection trials in early June were a chance she was ready to grasp with both hands.

A PB in the first round set up that goal nicely and propelled her to the silver medal and a ticket to Tokyo.

“A PB definitely gave me that confidence to propel me through the rest of trials. The Olympic nomination is a cumulative score of all 3 events so to have a solid start and shake off as much nerves as I could was really beneficial.”

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman welcomed the athletes to the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo.

“Congratulations to all seven divers named to the Australian Olympic Team today,” Mr Chesterman said.

“This group of athletes have faced some difficult challenges and have shown incredible determination and perseverance to achieve their Olympic selection.

“It takes a village to raise an Olympian and I want to thank Diving Australia, the coaches and support staff who have helped develop these athletes from juniors to the world’s biggest sporting stage, and to the friends, family and supporters who have been there every step of the way to help these seven divers achieve their Tokyo Olympic dream.”