Making Waves: Yona Knight-Wisdom on redefining representation, one dive at a time

For Yona Knight-Wisdom, diving didn’t just become a sport, it became a calling.

As one of the few Black coaches in the UK aquatics system, Yona is not only carving a path for himself, but helping to open doors for the next generation.

His presence on poolside is a quiet but powerful revolution, one rooted in visibility, lived experience and a deep belief in what sport can be.

Born and raised in Leeds to parents from Barbados and Jamaica, Yona grew up surrounded by sport. “I was always sporty,” he explains. “Gymnastics, football, cricket, rugby, anything I could get involved in.”

Swimming was something their mother insisted on from a young age, ensuring Yona could be safe in the water, particularly on family holidays to Barbados. But it was diving that captured his heart, and never let go.

“I never really connected with swimming competitively,” Yona says. “But diving? I just loved it. I never wanted to stop.”

A sport that shaped a life

Despite the early introduction to swimming, it wasn’t until a local talent identification programme visited Yona’s school that diving became a serious path. “It was a predominantly White, quite affluent school,” he recalls.

“I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. But for so many others, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, that opportunity never comes.”

And that, Yona believes, is the crux of the challenge. “Aquatics can be expensive, and when outreach focuses on certain demographics, you leave behind whole communities.

“It’s not just about cost. It’s about visibility, confidence and feeling like you belong.”

From athlete to coach and the power of presence

Now a coach, Yona has made a smooth transition from athlete to mentor. But the significance of his role isn’t lost on him.

“To be one of the first Black coaches in Aquatics GB, it’s surreal,” he admits. “And it just shows how much further we have to go in terms of diversity. It’s 2025, and we’re still breaking firsts.”

That’s why visibility matters. “My presence alone is a step forward. I want people to see me and realise, ‘Okay, this is possible for me too.’”

Even so, the systemic challenges remain. The cost of pool time, limited access to diving facilities and entrenched stereotypes around race and swimming continue to pose barriers.

“The fact that people are surprised I can swim, that says it all. I’ll tell someone I’m a diver, and the response is, ‘Oh, but can you swim?’”

Often, Yona notes, those assumptions even come from within the Black community. “It becomes a joke; one we tell ourselves. But that just reinforces the stereotype. It shouldn’t be shocking anymore.”

On Black History Month and representation year-round

When asked about Black History Month, Yona is reflective. “It’s tricky. It should be a celebration, a moment to recognise achievements. But it’s also become quite strategic. Agencies tell you to gear up for October, because that’s when all the speaking opportunities come in. Same with Pride Month. It becomes commercial.”

“I don’t want to just maximise the month. I want this to be about consistent, year-round representation. That’s the goal.”

And that’s where initiatives like Making Waves, and the ongoing work of Swim England, come in.

“If we can normalise Black and LGBTQ+ people being in aquatics, not just during themed months, but all the time, then we’ll really be making progress.”

Looking forward: A vision for the future

So what does progress look like?

“For me, it’s the end of those stereotypes. When I tell someone I’m a diver, I want the response to be, ‘Cool,’ not, ‘Really?’” Yona says.

“I’d love to see swim schools run by Black instructors, community programmes that actually reflect the communities they’re in, and people, no matter who they are, feeling like they belong in the water.”

And while the path isn’t simple, Yona is clear: it starts with opportunity, it grows with representation, and it’s sustained by belief.

“I love this sport,” he says. “I have more to give. And if my presence helps even one more person believe they belong here too, that’s enough.”

Whether diving into the pool or standing proudly at its edge, Yona Knight-Wisdom is helping to change the face of aquatics, not by making waves for the sake of it, but by showing others that they, too, deserve a lane.