'Up-and-coming young talent' shines at annual Talent Games

The Talent Games has been deemed a ‘thrilling’ event that saw young divers from across the country enjoying face-to-face national competition once again.

Competitors took part in a variety of dryland and pool-based events which were designed to challenge the diver all-round.

The event is also a selection meet with the best youngsters being invited onto the Swim England Diving Team Z and join the diving pathway.

An additional age group was added this year as a result of the event not taking place in 2019, meaning divers aged 12 and below were eligible to compete.

65 competitors from 12 clubs took part in the event which was held at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds from 13-14 November.

Olympian Jack Laugher made a special guest appearance, surprising the divers and showcasing the bronze medal he won at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

‘Strength and togetherness’

Suzie Collins, Swim England diving talent development officer, said: “It was great to see the young talent of the sport back in the pool competing at the Talent Games.

“It marked a significant milestone within the diving community as it was the first face-to-face talent testing event Swim England has hosted since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It allowed the younger generation, who form the base of the talent pathway, to experience the buzz of competition once again.

“It also provided an opportunity for up-and-coming talent to be identified and a special guest visit from Olympian Jack Laugher really inspired everyone there.

“The return to competition is resulting in a real sense of strength and togetherness within diving in the UK and we hope that that momentum will carry us firmly into the new year.