DIVERS SET FOR GERMAN CLASH
Britain's top divers go head to head with Germany's elite
at the inaugural KlingerCook Trophy in Sheffield as both nations
prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
With an entry list that features four Olympic medallists
as well as World and European Championship medallists, the
competition promises to showcase the very best of diving.
Ursula Klinger and Jeff Cook were two of the most renowned
personalities on the international diving scene. As a tribute
to their lives the Trophy celebrates their contribution to
the sport over the years.
Olympic medallists Tobias Schellenberg and Leon Taylor head
a list of 38 divers competing for national pride over the
two days of competition. It is the first step of British Diving's
new competition strategy which aims to increase opportunities
for Britain's divers to experience world-class competition.
In line with the Olympic programme, divers will compete for
honours in the 3m and 10m individual and synchro events at
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.
British Diving National Performance Director Steve Foley
is looking for Britain's younger divers to prove they have
what it takes to compete on a world stage.
"We are in a transition at the moment with a lot of
our younger divers progressing and coming onto the international
stage," said Foley. "This competition will be the
first time some of our younger guys have competed against
world-class competitors. The FINA Diving World Series was
really important for us and I will be looking to see if our
divers can show consistency.
"Nick [Robinson-Baker] and Ben [Swain] were excellent
in that event as were Thomas [Daley] and Callum [Johnstone],
these are the guys that need to prove they can compete against
the best in the world.
"Our young divers have just returned from a camp in
Texas and our synchro pairings have been in a camp in Leeds
so we have had good preparation in the lead up to this event."
According to Foley, this meet provides an important opportunity
for Britain's more experienced athletes to test their progress
in the run-up to Olympic qualification.
"It will also be great for us to see Leon [Taylor] and
Peter [Waterfield] back in action. They have a wealth of experience
behind them and a meet like this is vital in the preparation
for the World Cup in February, where our athletes have their
last chance to qualify for the Olympics.
"Everyone in the team is aware of what they need to
do at this event and we are looking to see if our younger
divers can step up to the mark and deal with this type of
competition."
Olympic silver medallist Leon Taylor returns to competition
ready to take on some of the best divers across Europe.
"I am really happy to be competing again," he said.
"I have been out of action for 10 months now so this
meet will help blow the cobwebs away and see where I'm at
competition-wise.
"This is the first of a number of competitions for me
in the run up to the World Cup and I'm pleased with the progress
I've made in training so far, my preparation has been going
well.
"Because I knew Ursula Klinger and Jeff Cook personally
I think this is a great way to remember them and commemorate
their achievements."
The KlingerCook Trophy takes place at Ponds Forge International
Sports Centre on 5th and 6th November.
The British Diving squad comprises:
Callum Johnstone (City of Leeds)
Thomas Daley (Plymouth Diving)
Ben Swain (City of Sheffield)
Nicholas Robinson-Baker (City of Sheffield)
Blake Aldridge (Southampton Diving)
Chris Mears (Southampton Diving)
Charles Calvert (City of Leeds)
Peter Waterfield (Southampton Diving)
Leon Taylor (City of Sheffield)
Gareth Jones (Southampton Diving)
Gary Hunt (Southampton Diving)
Tandi Gerrard (City of Leeds)
Rebecca Gallantree (City of Leeds)
Louise Van Hoof (Southampton Diving)
Jodie McGroarty (City of Sheffield)
Elizabeth Heald (City of Sheffield)
Katie Hamilton (City of Sheffield)
Stacie Powell (Southampton Diving)
Tonia Couch (Plymouth Diving)
Sarah Barrow (Plymouth Diving)
Monique McCarroll (Southampton Diving)
Brooke Graddon (Plymouth Diving)
Aimee Walker (City of Leeds)
Hayley Sage (City of Sheffield)
Suzanne Collins (City of Leeds)
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