Diving Report - Australian Age Championships and PSSA Diving

Australian Age Diving Championships 

In the last week of term 1, two of our divers Analise Gregoriou and Eesa Mir (both year 8) and their coach Mrs Weaver, traveled to Melbourne for the Australian Age Diving Championships. The divers had to reach a qualifying score in NSW competitions throughout the season in order to compete in the championships. Eesa competed in the 1m springboard event while Analise competed in both 1m and 3m springboard. 

The divers were eager to show their skills but before competing, they warmed up each day in the amazing dryland facility at Aquanation Ringwood. Filled with trampolines, dry boards, mats, and foam pits, both divers took every opportunity to practice their skills. 

Analise was the first to compete in the 12-13 year girls 3m Springboard event. She completed her dives with great poise finishing in a very respectable 14th place. Eesa was next in the 12-13 year boys 1m event where he had some great dives but a couple of unfortunate misses. Eesa still managed to place 13th in his age group. Analise then came back the next day to compete on 1m where up until the last round, she was tracking 15th. Analise was unlucky not to nail her final dive which dropped her back to 21st. 

Both divers had a wonderful experience competing at the National level and with only one year of experience, they should be commended on their hard work and dedication to their sport. We are looking forward to big things from them in the future. We would also like to thank Mrs De Vos for her support by baking us some delicious NSW-themed cookies that we devoured with pleasure. 

PSSA Diving 

Last week, three of our pathways divers competed at the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Diving Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. This competition showcases primary school divers from all over the state and from all school associations. Our divers ranged from 8 years to 11 years and have been practicing alongside our high school team throughout the term. 

Our first diver was Blair Weaver in the 8-year girl's competition. Blair started extremely well gaining scores of 6 - 6.5 from all judges for her front somersault. She then continued to dive consistently to win her age group by a mere 0.8 points. Our next diver, James De Vos was competing in his first-ever diving competition, representing the Catholic Primary diocese of Mackillop. James also made a strong start and finished on the podium in 3rd place. Our final diver was Lauren Griffiths who competed in the 11-year girls competition. This age group was the largest and arguably most competitive of the day. Lauren dived very consistently to finish in 8th place. 

St Andrews College is proud of all our divers who continue to train and compete at the highest levels. We look forward to the upcoming NSW All Schools Championships at the end of the month and wish our team the best of luck.

Anita Weaver 

Head of Diving