PLYMOUTH DIVERS SHINE IN ROME
The Roma Junior Diving Cup 2024 was a highly anticipated event, marking Plymouth Diving’s first international competition as a club since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For all but one of the divers, this was their first experience competing abroad in an outdoor pool. Competing in Italy’s capital, the divers faced the challenge of performing in the Olympic pool with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. Despite these conditions, the team not only gained valuable competitive experience but also strengthened their bonds, creating a supportive and encouraging environment.
Coach Fito Gutierrez, whose dedication to the team is unparalleled, played a crucial role in this endeavour. He enabled the team to participate by taking his annual leave, showcasing his commitment to the divers. “It was a must; they deserved this opportunity. They all had a fantastic time, and I am so proud of them, and the many friendships they have made. I am glad we made this happen” said Fito following the competition.
The team, in turn, had embarked on a huge fundraising campaign which was testament to the teams determination itself, receiving support from local businesses such as Vista Flooring, Doorcare South West, TEC Construction, Trade Choice South West, Beaumont DryLining, KW Chartered Surveyors & Building Surveyors, as well as generous support from family and friends and donations from bag packing at Morrisons on Outland road. This collective effort made the trip possible and highlighted the community’s support for the young athletes.
Isla Applin, the only C group girl from Plymouth, kicked off the competition for the club on the 3m springboard. Isla started strong and maintained her performance against a formidable field, finishing in sixth place. Putting the morning’s dives aside, she had to compete again in the afternoon on the platform where she was just off medal position in fourth place but a great PB. She showcased her versatility and resilience, concluding her events on the 1m the following day with another close fourth place.
Noah Underwood was next up as the sole male competitor in the B boys category. Demonstrating impressive skill and determination throughout his events, Noah was agonizingly close to a medal on the 3m board, just a point and a half shy. However, the following day was fruitful as Noah stood on the podium with a bronze medal, including a great 2.5 somersault pike on the 1m board.
Lexi Davies and Evie Royal made up the B girls divers. Lexi began her competition on the platform, with a silver medal after a strong set up dives. Having secured her first medal, Lexi followed this with another medal, this time a bronze on the 1m board and a fifth position on 3m. Teammate Evie also competed on both the 1m and 3m demonstrating lovely dives and strong finishes with a PB on both.
The largest contingent Plymouth sent was for the A girls, where we saw significant successes with some fantastic dives from all six divers. Amelie Underwood claimed gold medals on both the 1m and 3m boards. Joining her on the podium on the 3m board was Katie Martin, who won the bronze medal. The following day saw Scarlett Colbourne also take home a bronze medal on the 1m. Rose McCabe, Maia Pearson, and Ellie Pearce also competed valiantly, but with a strong field and limited medals, they were unable to stand beside their teammates on the podium.
The final event of the competition was the synchro event, where Plymouth entered three pairs. Recent National Age Group champions Lexi and Rose improved their personal bests in 8th place while Katie and Maia having won the Junior Elites Championships earlier in the year, continued their gold streak, claiming another first place. The new pairing of Amelie and Scarlett secured the silver medal.
The Roma Junior Diving Cup saw participation from countries including the USA, Italy, Monaco, Germany, and Hungary. This international exposure was invaluable, as divers exchanged T-shirts, won medals, and forged friendships with peers from around the world.
The team returned home with a renewed sense of motivation and camaraderie, eager to apply their experiences from Rome to the upcoming season. The competition not only tested their skills but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and community support.
Plymouth Diving Club extends heartfelt gratitude to Fito, supporters, local businesses, family, and friends who contributed to making this experience possible. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in the team’s accomplishments and growth.
