2007 ESSA National Diving Finals
Daniel Goodfellow struck gold and Lucy Cliff silver respectively representing Division 8 in the English Schools Swimming Association National Diving Finals in Plymouth. Four divers from the Cambridge Dive Team were part of the 8 man diver team and they all played their part in securing a final placing of 3rd in the overall result, one higher than last year.
In the very first event of the day, Daniel Goodfellow took gold in the Primary Boys age group. Performing just 4 dives meant the pressure was on and no room for mistakes. Daniel rose to challenge with his first dive, a back 1½ somersaults with half twist from the 3m springboard that disappeared through the water scoring 6.5s from a panel of strict judges. Daniel had moved into the lead but was wary of his third dive, a forward 2½ somersaults piked, which had proven difficult for him during training. Being a true competitor Daniel upped his game and managed to perform the dive with the typical style that is now nationally associated with the Goodfellow name. For his final dive Daniel returned to the 1m for his favourite dive, an inward 1½ somersaults with tuck. Scores of 7s capped a fine performance and the well deserved gold medal.
Taking confidence from this successful start, Lucy Cliff took to the pool. After a difficult training session Lucy was clearly feeling anxious especially with a list packed full of difficulty. An inward 1½ somersaults settled a few nerves but scores of 4.5 meant Lucy was in for a real competition. A reverse dive piked followed and Lucy's elegant lines were highlighted by the clean rip through the water gaining scores of 7s. With just two rounds to go Lucy was lying in 4th place. Moving up to the 3m springboard, Lucy then showed her ability to spin, performing a forward 2½ somersaults piked scoring 5.5s to push her up to 3rd place. Her final dive, a back 2½ somersaults had landed flat in training but she made it look easy and couldn't have been happier when she the scores of 5s appear on screen for the silver medal.
Also competing for their schools were Aaron Paul and Edward Hird. Both divers unfortunately did not quite perform to their best abilities but after suffering early disappointments completed their lists of dives with a professional attitude that is becoming increasingly recognised as a mannerism of The Cambridge Dive Team. Aaron finished in a respectful 4th place after scoring just 2s for his second out of 6 dives, a forward 3½ somersaults piked. The Cambridge diver in the intermediate boys event showing appreciation for the winners and taking his slip up in high spirits showed a true sportsman's attitude. Edward suffered a similar fate actually failing one of his dives but again bounced straight back performing a forward 1½ somersaults with 1 twist on the 3m to score 6.5s. Edward finished his list with one of the best forward 2½ somersaults piked of the entire competition and both the crowd and fellow performers appreciated his efforts.
Team manager to the division and Cambridge Head Coach, Sam Buck, was delighted with the success of the younger divers and impressed with the way the older boys conducted themselves after suffering set backs. "The whole competition was conducted in high spirits and although all the results weren't perfect the divers gained some vital experiences that will only benefit them in the future."
The Cambridge Dive Team head for the Luton Challenge next weekend with a 10 man strong team hoping to secure more medals and prove that Cambridge is the best diving team in the country training in a 5m venue.
Posted 24/11/2007.