- World University Games Napoli 2019 Review
Kayleigh Sinclair and Shanice Lobb have just returned home to Plymouth after competing in the 30th World University Games which were held in Napoli. It was a financial struggle to get there but with the help of donations from a Crowd Funding Page they were able to have the opportunity to go and soak up the atmosphere of being at the games. Both divers said it was inspiring and a privilege to be part of team GBR, the spirit was incredible and they couldn’t have wished for a better experience.
For Kayleigh the games were her biggest competition to date. She went into it with an open mind and was determined to enjoy it. In the 3m springboard preliminary round Kayleigh finished in a very comfortable 9th position out of 25. The semi-final went even better; finishing 6th out of 18. Kayleigh was the only diver in the final to represent GBR and to finish in 8th place overall was an overwhelming feeling of joyous emotion, above and beyond her expectation.
Shanice successfully came through the platform preliminary round in 16th place out of 22. Unfortunately for Shanice the semi-final did not go to plan, she ended up in 15th place out of 18 after a disappointing 2nd dive. Earlier this year she won the bronze medal in the same event at the British National Diving Cup. Despite the result it did not tarnish the experience or atmosphere which was absolutely brilliant and she met some amazing people. The highlight of the trip for Shanice was walking out into a stadium full of thousands of supporters. She said: “The feeling I felt and the memory of that night will be something I will always treasure.”
Both Kayleigh and Shanice are grateful for all those around them that made it possible for them to reach this goal and continue to support them, including their coach at the Plymouth Life Centre – Alex Rochas, team mates, family and Plymouth Marjon University.
It was definitely an event that will forever be a great memory to both of them.
