White tells English divers to 'be themselves' on Gold Coast

Team England’s divers have been told to just ‘be yourself’ when competing on the Gold Coast.

Diving team manager, Kim White, is hoping the 13 world-class athletes taking part in the Commonwealth Games diving will treat it just like any other event.

“We’ll tell the athletes to ‘be yourself’,” said White. “The Commonwealth Games might have more hype and media attention than other competitions, but it’s exactly the same.

“I think we have a good shot on the Gold Coast. For the last four years, we have been ranked second or third in the world, so we’re very highly ranked in the Commonwealth and very well respected.

“We’ve got 13 world-class athletes in the team. For some, this will be their first Commonwealth Games, but they aren’t new to competing on the world stage.”

Divers fully prepared

White said all the divers are fully prepared for the four days of competition, which begins on 11 April.

“Diving outdoors is unique. The biggest challenge is the weather, but also the spotting. In an indoor pool, you just see the blue water.

“But in an outdoor pool, you see the blue water and the blue sky. So you have to know exactly where you are to avoid an accident.

“The athletes have all been training in outdoor venues. A number have already been to the Gold Coast for a training camp or competition, so they are well prepared for the conditions.

Kim White has been involved with diving for more than 46 years as a diver, coach, volunteer, judge and team leader.

 

Top