Can my Children Progress to the Olympics in Diving?
24 July 2024
If your child loves the water but thinks they may want to branch out to train in something different, diving might be the thing. It will allow them to continue spending time in the water but teach them unique skills. Then if they show commitment and a natural aptitude, they may progress past their club and eventually even make it to the Olympics. It may sound like a dream, but it is a possibility, and here is how they’d get there.
Learn to Swim
For children to begin diving, they must first learn to swim. Not only does it instil essential confidence in the water and understanding of how water works, but it also provides youngsters with the strength and stamina to be able to dive. Almost all towns and cities will have a pool or leisure centre that offers lessons to help them progress.
Diving Lessons
Once your child reaches the certificate Learn to Swim- Stage 7, their instructor or leisure centre may offer them a different pathway, such as synchronised swimming, polo, or diving. If they choose diving, they can work through stages 8-10, called Learn to Swim Diving Awards, which builds on your child’s swimming ability to understand the water and the basic diving skills.
Alternatively, you can find a dedicated diving club that will take your child through the swimming stages using boards, but always with diving as the focus. You can search via the Dive England website to find a club near you.
Zone Squad
If your child shows excellent ability and drive to compete as a diver, they may decide to show their talent at the England Talent Games. They could select your child to train with the zone squad (team Z) if they demonstrate what it takes - this is open to divers aged 10-11.
Following selection, your child will begin an 18 month training programme to build fundamental skills and diving ability. They will learn the technical aspects, such as twisting, rotating, and bounding. This aims to prepare them for the Elite Junior Championships.
National Squad
Children selected for the National Squad are between 12 and 15 and selected from the National Assessment Camp. The training your child received at Zone Squad will put them in excellent stead to gain a place here. For a selection into the National Squad, divers must also have competed in the top junior competition, GB Junior Elites.
In the National Squad, young divers will continue developing and refining their performing and competing skills. They will also learn more about diving as a lifestyle and the educational side and understand the nutrition needed for a top performer.
Teams B and A
As your child progresses, improves and competes at top world competitions, they will make their way through the zones, past Team J, for juniors and into teams B and A. These teams are for those at the very top of their game and likely to represent the UK as part of Team GB. Once they reach Team A, your child will be at the standard needed to be an Olympic diver.