Sporting Profile of Andrew Gray Diving

Here is a brief interview with Andrew who comments on his sporting achievements so far, and his future aspirations

Sport: Diving
Age: 12
Current level: National Elite.
Club name: Crystal Palace Diving Institute 

How long have you been diving and how did you start?

I was first introduced to diving about 5 or 6 years ago, I was taking part in gymnastics at that time and was identified by British Diving who were looking for new talent. They tested my flexibility and trampoline skills which were good, they then asked me back for the second stage for water tests, however there was one problem - I couldn’t swim! I didn’t pass the test so I went away and learnt to swim, followed by one weeks intensive diving course at Crystal Palace I got into the squad from there.
 

How much do you train each week?

I normally train five days per week, anything from two to four hours per day. Just before big competitions I will train seven days per week.
 

What do you enjoy about competing?

I enjoy the adrenaline I get in a competition. In training there may be a dive that I’m not doing very well, but when the pressure is on in a competition the dive seems to go right on the day. I like to be pushed and try to set myself goals, I try to beat the people I have never beaten before. I like to stand on the podium as it makes me feel proud, and all the hard work I have put in has finally paid off. I then look forward to learning new dives for the next competition.
 

What are your future sporting aspirations?

I am now at elite status, and I am gradually climbing the ladder. British Diving have selected me for their Junior Talent Program, they are currently monitoring me to see how I do in each competition and how my training is going, I will hopefully then progress onto their Junior Olympic Program. Within the next year I will have taken part in my first major competition abroad, and qualified for international status.
Eventually I want to represent my country in major competitions, like the World Diving Championships, The Commonwealth Games, and ultimately the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2016 Olympic Games.

I already have a lot of support from my family and friends. I have a fantastic coach, Cheng Yang from China, who I admire and trust. Cheng went to the Olympic Games himself, and he also coached the New Zealand Diving team at the Barcelona Olympics. With his help, a lot of hard work and training, a bit of luck and with sponsorship and financial support I hope to reach my ultimate goal.

I really enjoy all sport, diving is my first passion. Sport keeps me fit and healthy in the mind and body. I enjoy taking part and trying to better my previous scores. I like the challenge of trying to be as good or even better than the person who is diving before me. Sport is my life and I feel I am at my best when I am challenged.
 

Andrew’s sporting achievements from the past few years

2004 aged 9

5th Southern Counties Championships
1st Kent Primary Schools Competition
5th National schools diving championship in Manchester
 

2005 aged 10

1st National Novice Championships in Plymouth
1st Southern Counties Championships
1st Kent Championships
1st Surrey Championships
1st London Novice Championships
1st Kent Primary Schools Competition
2nd National School Championships in Harrogate
3rd on 3 metre board, Luton Challenge Diving Competition
7th on 5 metre platform, Luton Challenge Diving Competition
3rd London Youth Games Diving Competition (junior section)
 

2006 aged 11

1st on 1 metre springboard, National Age Group Championships in Leeds
1st on 3 metre springboard, National Age Group Championships in Leeds
2nd on 5 metre platform, National Age Group Championships in Leeds
1st Kent Age Group Championships
1st Surrey Age Group Championships
1st London Age Group Championships
1st Kent Primary Schools Competition
2nd National Schools Championships (junior section) in Bedford.
1st London Youth Games Diving Competition.
6th on 1 metre board, Luton Challenge Diving Competition
 

2007 aged 12

8th on 3 metre springboard, National Elite Championships in Sheffield
9th on 1 metre springboard, National Elite Championships in Sheffield
9th on the platform, National Elite Championships in Sheffield
3rd on 3 metre springboard, Armada Cup Challenge for Elite Divers in Plymouth
9th on 1 metre springboard, Armada Cup Challenge for Elite Divers in Plymouth
8th on platform, Armada Cup Challenge for Elite Divers in Plymouth
1st on 1 metre springboard, Kent County Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st on 3 metre springboard, Kent County Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st on platform, Kent County Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st on 1 metre springboard, London Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st on 3 metre springboard, London Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st on the platform, London Championships, junior boys & senior men
1st Croydon Schools Diving Championships.
1st Surrey Schools Championships
Qualified to represent Kent and Surrey schools in the National Schools Championships (junior section) to be held in Plymouth in November.
1st London Youth Games Diving Competition (senior class) as a junior. Bromley also won the overall London Youth Games.