′Ecstatic′ Beatrice credits coach after securing 1m national title

Beatrice Mills-Hargreaves was the only diver to break the 40-point barrier as she clinched the Girls 14-15 Years 1m title at the Swim England Diving National Age Group Championships.

The City of Leeds diver was 10^th after her first two dives, but fought back to sit in fourth with three dives remaining.

Mills-Hargreaves’s fifth dive – an inward one-and-a-half somersaults – earned her 40.70 points to take her into first place.

She held on to top spot with her penultimate effort – a back one-and-a-half somersaults for 40.25 points – before closing with a score of 37.80 to seal the winning total of 233.10 points.

“I’m actually ecstatic, I’ve worked so hard for it and the fact that it’s finally come is amazing,” she said.

“My coach is the biggest inspiration I have, he’s so amazing and he’s helped me through so much.

“I’m competing in the platform competition tomorrow so I’m a bit nervous but I’m excited and hopefully I’ll get some more medals if I keep working hard. My parents are really proud and we’ll definitely be celebrating later.”

Katie pips Katie to silver

Katie Townsend added to Dacorum Diving Club’s medal haul, finishing second with 226.85 points.

After a cagey start, Townsend moved into the podium positions with her third dive and never looked back from there.

City of Sheffield’s Katie Garner was just 0.05 points behind Townsend to win the bronze medal.

Garner had led the way after four dives, but her forward two-and-a-half somersaults didn’t quite go to plan, knocking her down to third, where she remained.

Photos: Will Johnston Photography