DALEY STEPS UP TO SENIOR INTERNATIONAL IN CANADA
Young British diver Thomas Daley (12) will undergo his first
senior international test this week when he competes at the
Canadian FINA Diving Grand Prix.
The Plymouth youngster goes in the today's 10m Platform event
in Montreal and faces a world class field with teams from
China, America, Russia and hosts Canada setting the standard
Daley aims to reach as his development continues.
Daley will be guided along the way by coach Andy Banks and
British Diving National Performance Director Steve Foley.
"For Thomas it will be his first senior international
competition," said Foley, "so it's going to be a
big step-up for the young diver.
"He was second behind Peter Waterfield off the 10m Platform
at our Championships in December and has a realistic chance
of qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics so competition
now is important.
"Thomas needs international experience before we get
into an Olympic year but the plan is to develop this gradually
so his next outing will be at the Spanish Grand Prix next
month."
Despite Daley's obvious talent, Foley appreciates the step-up
from junior to senior competition is a big one to make for
someone so very young.
"The standard of competition will be very high as the
event has attracted a good field," said Foley.
"In Thomas we'll be looking for consistency and if,
at the age of just 12-years-old, he can deliver a top 12 finish,
which is a big ask in his first senior international, that
would be outstanding.
"He's an exceptional talent but this is his first event
and if he finished at the back of the field he will still
have gained some valuable experience which is what this meet
is about for him."
Daley is one of five British divers in action throughout
the four-day meet with Ben Swain (City of Sheffield), Jodie
McGroarty (City of Sheffield), Sarah Barrow (Plymouth Diving)
and Monique McCarroll (Southampton Diving Academy) also competing.
"The aim of this event is to give a group of British
divers more experience and more exposure," explained
Foley.
"Monique and Sarah finished second at our last national
championships and pose a very good chance of going to the
World Cup next year to try to qualify Britain for the Olympics
in the 10m Synchro.
"Both Ben and Jodie will be continuing their development
in Canada and, with all British divers on the World Cup circuit
this year, they'll be looking to qualify themselves for the
Olympic trials later this year.
"It's now a requirement for divers wishing to compete
at the British Olympic Trials to have qualified for the event
and they have to do this at an international meet."
British Diving will be in action next week at the US Grand
Prix in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Canadian FINA Diving Grand Prix takes place in
Montreal between 3rd and 6th May 2007.
The British squad comprises:
Ben Swain (City of Sheffield)
Thomas Daley (Plymouth Diving)
Jodie McGroarty (City of Sheffield)
Sarah Barrow (Plymouth Diving)
Monique McCarroll (Southampton Diving Academy)
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