Tributes are paid to highly-respected diving coach David Jenkins

Swim England has paid tribute to highly-respected diving coach David Jenkins, who died over the weekend.

The thoughts and condolences from everyone at Swim England go out to David’s wife, family and friends.

British Swimming has asked for the privacy of his family, friends and the British Diving community be respected at this difficult time and they will  be working closely with staff and athletes who have been affected by this awful news.

David, 31, was the Development Lead Coach for Dive London, overseeing the progress of the next generation of elite athletes at the London Aquatics Centre during his eight years involved with the diving programme there.

He was a part of the Olympic coaching team at Tokyo 2020 this summer, when Britain’s divers secured a joint-record medal haul at a Games.

Two of his young divers – Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen – were part of that Team GB squad.

Previously to that, he had played his part in coaching teams at successful World and European Championship campaigns, as well as for Team England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, when Williams won a silver medal in the Men’s 10m Synchro.

Deeply saddened

David was subsequently nominated for Diving Coach of the Year at the British Swimming Awards in 2018. There were further successes for his athletes at junior international level too.

Away from the elite side of the sport, David’s love for coaching and the sport saw him play an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, delivering Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the country. 

He was extremely popular with all in the diving community due to his wonderful, friendly personality.

A former gymnast and diver himself, David had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with at Swim England, British Diving and GLL.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Everyone at Swim England is deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing. 

“He was a highly-respected coach who played a key role in the development of several divers who have competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympics.

“He will be extremely missed poolside and our thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Swim England go out to his family and friends.”