Hydro Novices 2007
The Hydro, Harrogate
6th May 2007
Sunday 6th May saw the Cambridge Dive Team's less experienced divers travel to Harrogate to compete in the Hydro Novice Competition. The competition is specifically aimed at entry-level divers with skills ranging from basic jumps on the poolside to more complex dives from both the 1m and 3m springboards. The Cambridge Dive Team took a group of 5 divers ranging in age from under 9 to over 14. In the youngest age group, 9 and under, Martin Christensen performed exceptionally well taking the gold medal. Martin showed fantastic jumping ability scoring 81.50 points for his four basic poolside dives. He then carried on from this great start scoring two 9's and a 10 out of 10 for his first dive on the 1m springboard. This sent a clear message to the rest of the competitors that it was going to take something special to take the gold away from Martin. Showing a mature style for his age Martin moved up to the 3m and looked unshakeable at the top. Scoring a 9 from one judge on the hardest dive of the day Martin was a clear winning finishing on a total of 294.30. He is eager to compete again and prove he worth as a potential national champion.
Matthew Goodfellow competed in the Boys group D age group (10-11 years). A tough competition saw Matthew battle hard and show why he is such a good competitor. Matthew took the bronze medal after diving with both determination and grace. Being his ever-relaxed character Matthew appeared to be unfazed by the difficult list of dives ahead of him. Steady scoring of 7s throughout his poolside and 1m events set him up well for the 3m board. Not being his favourite board, Matthew took the challenge of the 3m head on. His first dive, a forward pike fall, scored 8.5 from two out of the three judges and set the crowd into spontaneous applause. Matthew put in a great performance and continued to show that he is a force to be reckoned with in a competition environment.
In the Girls group C (12-13 years), April Goodenough, a former gymnast turned diver, had a steady competition after very few practices of her dives in training. Mixed scoring on poolside and 1m saw April struggling for positions. However, being an experienced competitor April new she had to fight back on the 3m. The first dive on the 3m springboard was a forwards pike fall and April ripped through the water scoring an 8.5. It was just the start she needed. Consistent high scoring followed finishing with a final total of 265.70. This pushed April up the field into 9th place in a highly competitive field.
In the last competition of the day, the Girls group B (14+ years), the Cambridge Dive Team had two competitors, Anna Dawson and Hannah Clayden. The format for this competition was slightly harder pushing the girls to perform dives that involve multiple somersaults. Hannah showed some solid dives on 3m and exceptional quality on the 1m to finish in 6th place with a final score of 287.15. Fellow teammate Anna had an exceptional competition after having a few scares in training. Anna's superior jumping ability stood out from the rest of the competitors and with some tidy splash free entries it was clear Anna had to be crowned champion. Anna took the gold medal with a final score of 336.0, the top score of the day.
The Cambridge Dive has now shown success on both the novice and elite levels this year making its mark on British diving. The coaches at Cambridge are very pleased with the success and progress at the club and it continues into the second half of the competitive season as well as developing for many years to come.
Anna Dawson |
Martin Christensen |
Posted 21/05/2007