Noah Williams surprised at Commonwealth call-up

Noah Williams admits he was surprised to receive a call-up to Team England’s Commonwealth Games diving squad – as he didn’t feel he had performed to his best standards.

The 17-year old will be the youngest member of the Team England diving squad on the Gold Coast, not turning 18 until later in the year.

While Williams was disappointed with his performance in the 10m Platform at the British Championships earlier in the year, he still made the podium, picking up bronze for the third year in a row.

And having impressed to win 10m Synchro bronze alongside Matthew Dixon on his senior European debut last year, the youngster was given the nod to compete again in Australia.

“It feels great to be competing for Team England,” said Williams, who trains at Dive London.

“I was surprised when I heard the selection because I didn’t think I performed my best at the nationals.

Noah Williams
  • Age: 17
  • Club: Dive London
  • Coach: David Jenkins
  • CWG: Making debut at Gold Coast 2018.

“It should be really good to go out with my team. In Team England everyone knows each other and gets along. It should give a good family vibe to the competition.

“The weather should be good and I’m really looking forward to the athlete village. It’s my first multi-sport event so I’m looking forward to meeting lots of other people and chilling in the athletes’ village.

“I’m going to watch whatever I can and enjoy the moment while I’m there.

“My family will be tuning in late at night to watch on TV and I’d like to thank my coach Dave {Jenkins} who I’ve had for two or three years now. He’s helped me to progress a lot to be able to qualify here so thanks to him.”

Breakthrough star

Williams has achieved success at every level of junior diving.

He lifted his first British title in 2015, winning the Group B 3m Springboard event, and then went on to land 3m synchro bronze on his European Junior debut later in the year.

In 2017, he was one of the breakthrough stars of the National Cup, winning the 10m and 10m Synchro double in Plymouth.

He also won a pair of medals at the 2017 British Championships and teamed up with Matthew Dixon for 10m Synchro gold at his maiden FINA Grand Prix event in Gatineau, Canada.

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