Woodward back in form with double at 2016 British National Cup

Freddie Woodward claimed a surprise double gold as England’s top divers kicked off their season in style at the 2016 British National Cup in Southend.

World Championship gold medallist Tom Daley and Rebecca Gallantree also topped the podium on the South Coast while Tonia Couch was the other English diver to claim an individual gold.

After an injury-disrupted 2015, Woodward looked better than ever in Southend, scoring 374.05 to win the 1m crown, then 420.50 to close out the 3m title narrowly ahead of World 3m Synchro bronze medallist Chris Mears on 419.50.

“I came here looking for a medal of any colour, and in either event, and to win my second gold in a 15-point PB demonstrates that I am in a much better shape that I was last year,” said Woodward.

I came here looking for a medal of any colour, and in either event.

“I missed this competition due to injury last year and I found that tough but my time off has meant that I have been able to put in all the hard work that is necessary for a personal best performance.

“I feel like I am diving better than I have never done before. It is a really incredible feeling.”

Tom Daley scoops 10m Platform title

Daley was in a class of his own as he cruised to the 10m Platform title on 545.80, having won bronze in the same event at last year’s World Championships in Kazan.

After a slow start with 68.80 for his first dive, the 21-year old scored more than 90 for all five of his remaining efforts in the final, including a 102.60 for his last dive – a back 3 ½ somersaults in pike position.

European Games gold medallist Matty Lee won silver on 461.00 while Dan Goodfellow – who combined with Daley in the 10m Synchro – continued his injury comeback with bronze on 419.35.

Couch won a world-class contest in the women’s 10m, scoring 346.80 in the final to finish ahead of 2014 European champion Sarah Barrow (343.70) and 2015 European Games champion Lois Toulson (340.40).

Gallantree leads home Leeds clean sweep in 3m

Meanwhile, Gallantree led home a City of Leeds clean sweep in the women’s 3m, scoring 326.05 to finish ahead of 3m Synchro partner Alicia Blagg (321.00) and European Games gold medallist Katherine Torrance (305.35).

City of Sheffield’s Clare Cryan was the top English finisher in the 1m, scoring 244.55 in the final to finish one place ahead of Plymouth’s Rhea Gayle (239.95) as Edinburgh’s Grace Reid (254.55) took the title.

  • Click here to view full results from the 2016 British National Cup.
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