esplash January 2007 - Hanson Sport Media

GENERATION NEXT READY TO LEAP INTO GAMES CONTENTIONDiving Australia Supported byA new generation of Australian Divers will take their first major leaps towards Beijing whenthe 2007 Australian Open Championships are contested at the Melbourne Sports andAquatic Centre from January 12 - 14.The three-day event will double as the selection trials for the FINA World SwimmingChampionships in Melbourne in March and will be headlined by Commonwealth Gamesstars, Melissa Wu, Alex Croak, Sharleen Stratton, Bree Cole and Kathryn BlackshawOlympics.At just 14 years of age and weighing just 30 kilograms, Wu has become one of the real starsof an Australian diving team that has undergone massive changes since the 2004 AthensWu captured the imagination of the Australian sporting nation with her amazing skills off the ten-metre platformthroughout a meteoric rise in 2006.Along with her 10-metre platform partner, former Olympic gymnast Croak, the pair were among many stars of Australia'smost successful Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last year.Wu's smile, courage, demeanour and maturity way beyond her 14 years certainly captured the hearts of a nation.Combine them with the catwalk good looks of former Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning gymnast,Croak and the duo will be the centre of attention on the 10 metre platform.Wu and Croak will attempt to carry on the traditions of retired Olympic gold medallist Chantelle Newbery and recentlymarried Olympic bronze medallist and Commonwealth Games golden girl Loudy Tourky.Stratton and Cole, who combined to win gold for Australia on the three-metre synchronised boards, will be the ones towatch both on one and three-metre.The rising youngsters will be looking to fill the gaps left by the retirement of not only Olympic gold medallist in ChantelleNewbery but also the departure of her Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist husband Robert Newbery,Olympic individual 10 metre silver medallist Mathew Helm and three-metre synchro bronze medallist Steven Barnett.Recently married Tourky, who has taken a 12-month hiatus from the sport, will also be missing from thesechampionships.In the men's competition, all eyes will be on Commonwealth Games representative 19-year-old Scott Robertson whowas a finalist in the Melbourne Games in the individual three metre and synchronised events.A strong and improved performer at last year's FINA World Cup in China, Robertson will be looking to step up at thesechampionships and form the future of the sport in the men’s ranks alongside World Junior representatives, Peter Hilland Grant Nel heading forward onto Beijing in 2008.Australia's National Head Coach Hui Tong said the next 12 months represented a major building phase not only forBeijing but for the 2012 Olympics in London."It is not easy to replace divers of the calibre of Chantelle and Robert Newbery, Mat Helm and Steve Barnett but we willbe looking to unearth some new talent at these Championships," said Hui."The girls look stronger than the boys at the moment and there are certainly great opportunities for some young diversto step up."The Olympics are only 18 months away and it is important for our team to perform well at home and to show the rest ofthe world that we will be ready for the challenge in 2008 and 2012."Ian Hanson, Media Director – eSplashwww.diving.asn.au

2007 AUSTRALIAN OPEN DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS - PROGRAM9-14 JanuaryTUESDAY, 9 JANUARYTraining8.00am – 10.30amTraining2.30pm – 5.00pmWEDNESDAY, 10 JANUARYTrainingTrainingTHURSDAY, 11 JANUARYTrainingTraining8.00am – 10.30am2.30pm – 5.00pm8.00am – 10.30am2.30pm – 5.00pmFRIDAY, 12 JANUARYTraining7.00am – 9.00amMen’s 3 Metre Preliminary 6 dives without limit 9.00am – 2.00pmWomen’s Platform Preliminary 5 dives without limitMen’s 3 Metre Semi-Final 6 dives without limitWomen’s Platform Semi-Final 5 dives without limitTraining2.00pm – 4.00pmMen’s 3 Metre Final 6 dives without limit 4.00pm – 6.30pmWomen’s Platform Final 5 dives without limitSATURDAY, 13 JANUARYTraining7.00am –9.00amWomen’s 3 Metre Preliminary 5 dives without limit 9.00am – 2.00pmMen’s 10 Metre Preliminary 6 dives without limitWomen’s 3 Metre Semi-Final 5 dives without limitMen’s 10 Metre Semi-Final 6 dives without limitTraining2.00pm – 4.00pmWomen’s 3 Metre Final 5 dives without limit 4.00pm – 6.30pmMen’s 10 Metre Final 6 dives without limitSUNDAY, 14 JANUARYTraining7.00am – 9.00amWomen’s 1 Metre Preliminary 5 dives without limit 9.00am – 11.30amMen’s 1 Metre Preliminary 6 dives without limitTraining11.30pm – 1.00pmWomen’s 1 Metre Final 5 dives without limit 1.00pm – 5.00pmMen’s 1 Metre Final 6 dives without limitWomen’s 3 Metre Syncho Final 2 @ 2.0 + 3 without limitMen’s 3 Metre Synchro Final 2 @ 2.0 + 4 without limitWomen’s Platform Synchro Final 2 @ 2.0 + 3 without limitMen’s Platform Synchro Final 2 @ 2.0 + 4 without limitwww.diving.asn.au

RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR 12TH FINA WORLDCHAMPIONSHIPSThe Melbourne 2007 World Swimming Championships Corporation hasannounced that a record number of entries have been received for the 12thFINA World Championships in Melbourne from 17 March – 1 April 2007.The number of National Federations that have signalled their intent to competein Melbourne today reached 158, surpassing the 157 countries that attendedthe 10th FINA World Championships in Barcelona in 2003.Entries to the Championships have now been received from all corners of theglobe and most recently from countries including Cambodia, Guinea, Nigeria,Kenya and Jordan.The breakdown by region to date is:Americas: 36; Africa: 29; Asia: 32; Europe: 48; Oceania: 13With entries to the Championships open until 23 February 2007, the final number of countries competing inMelbourne is expected to increase.Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs Mr James Merlino MP said that the World Championships wouldbe the biggest aquatics competition ever held in Australia.“More aquatics athletes will compete at the Championships than at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Gamesmaking this the biggest aquatic event ever staged in Australia,” he said.“The fact that Melbourne will host the biggest ever FINA World Championships is further testament to our statusas the event capital of the world.“Melbourne is set to again capture the imagination of the sporting public both here in Australia and to anestimated international television audience of one billion people.”Melbourne 2007 Chairman Mr Tony Beddison AO said the strong response from National Federations to dateindicated a great vote of confidence in the event.“From day one we have always said that our goal is to stage the best FINA World Championships and we are wellon the way to achieving that vision,” he said.“To already have more countries entered than for any previous FINA World Championships is a tremendous resultand a great vote of confidence in our event.”Across the five Championships disciplines an estimated:• 1300 swimmers from 165 countries will compete in the Swimming program;• 110 swimmers from 30 countries will compete in the Open Water program;• 200 athletes from 40 countries will compete in the Diving program;• 240 athletes from 40 countries will compete in the Synchronised Swimming program; and• 400 athletes from 32 teams will compete in 14-day the Water Polo program.Tickets can be purchased via the Ticketek website (ticketek.com.au), a dedicated phone line (1300 136 494) andTicketek retail outlets. For more information about tickets please log on to www.melbourne2007.com.au.Partners of the 12th FINA World Championships are Yakult, AstralPool, Omega and Speedo.Diving Australia strongly urges all diving club members to put up your hands and help out at this great event.Details of the recruitment process and the application form can be found on the FINA World SwimmingCorporation website: www.melbourne2007.com.au.www.diving.asn.au

NEW2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSMelbourne Sports & Aquatic CentreAlbert Park, Melbourne19-26 MarchPROGRAM OF EVENTSDAY DATE TIME EVENTDay 2 Monday 19 March 10.00am – 1.30pm Preliminary Men’s 3 Metre SynchroPreliminary Women’s 10 Metre Synchro5.30pm – 6.45pm FINAL Men’s 3 Metre Synchro8.45pm – 10.00pm FINAL Women’s 10 Metre SynchroDay 3 Tuesday, 20 March 10.00am – 1.30pm Preliminary Men’s 1 Metre6.30pm – 9.10pm Preliminary Women’s 10 MetreDay 4 Wednesday, 21March10.00am – 1.30pm Semi-Final Men’s 1 MetreDay 5 Thursday, 22MarchSemi-FinalWomen’s 10 Metre5.30pm – 6.20pm FINAL Men’s 1 Metre8.30pm – 9.45pm FINAL Women’s 10 Metre10.00am – 2.15pm Preliminary Men’s 3 Metre6.30pm – 9.20pm Preliminary Women’s 1 MetreDay 6 Friday, 23 March 10.00am – 1.40pm Semi-Final Women’s 1 MetreSemi-FinalMen’s 3 Metre6.00pm – 6.50pm FINAL Women’s 1 Metre8.30pm – 10.00pm FINAL Men’s 3 MetreDay 7 Saturday, 24 March 10.00am – 1.10pm Preliminary Women’s 3 Metre6.30pm – 10.00pm Preliminary Men’s 10 MetreDay 8 Sunday, 25 March 10.00am – 1.40pm Semi-Final Women’s 3 MetreSemi-FinalMen’s 10 Metre3.00pm – 4.15pm FINAL Women’s 3 Metre5.00pm – 6.30pm FINAL Men’s 10 MetreDay 9 Monday , 26 March 10.00am – 2.00pm Preliminary Women’s 3 Metre SynchroPreliminaryMen’s 10 Metre Synchro3.30pm – 6.30pm FINAL Women’s 3 Metre SynchroFINALMen’s 10 Metre Synchrowww.diving.asn.au

ATHLETE PROFILEOFF THE BOARDS WITH…………………SCOTT ROBERTSONEach month eSplash feature’s an exclusive athlete profile when Hanson Sports Media’sDavid Lyall climbs up onto the boards to take the plunge with some of Australia’s bestdivers.This month Lyall sought a quick reaction from Scott Robertson.Scott was a silver medallist in the 3M Synchro at the 2004 FINA World JuniorChampionships who made his senior international debut in March at the CommonwealthGames.In between those two achievements he had to overcome horrific injuries when he brokeboth feet on the platform at the 2005 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.Now he is firmly focused on a return to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre for the 12th FINA WorldChampionships next year.And then it’s on to Beijing……Scott RobertsonAge: 19Nickname: Chief Lazy EyeHome: Sale, VictoriaBrisbane: AISAIS: TrainingCoach Hui Tong: ToughFavourite event: 3MBest ever performance: Commonwealth GamesWhy: It was pretty good, I was happy I could do all the dives to the best of my ability and held my nerves2002 FINA World Junior Championships – Aachen: A learning curve and set a benchmark for where I was atthat age2004 FINA World Junior Championships – Belem: One of the best comps I have ever competed in, I achievedmy goals, one of the highlights so far2005 Australian Youth Olympic Festival – Sydney: Happy with how I dived, but disappointed to be injured, atough time2006 Open Nationals (Commonwealth Games Trials) - Melbourne: Nervous time, happy with how I did2006 Commonwealth Games: Really enjoyable, especially being in my hometown with, parents, friends andfamily2006 FINA Grand Prix – China: Competed alright, gained experience2007 FINA World Championships – Melbourne: The be all and end all for the quest for Olympics2008 Olympics - Beijing: My major goal for the next two years, through every training session I have my eyes onitInspirations: Kostya Tszyu, Andre Agassi & Tiger WoodsRole Models: Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods, Roger FedererSteven Barnett: Very dedicatedwww.diving.asn.au

Robert Newbery: MojoAlexandre Despatie: AwesomeGreg Louganis: Favourite diverMy dream is…: To complete my diving career with an Olympic medalThe greatest thing you will take from your diving career: Commitment and dedicationLife after diving: Finish uni and get a job in the construction industry, travel a lotWhat can’t you live without: Vanilla milkshakesFavourite item of clothing: SingletMusic: RapTV: The O.C. and sportAFL / NRL / Union: AFLFavourite sporting team: The Western Bulldogs in the AFLTea / Coffee / Milo: CoffeeMeat Pie / Salad: SaladBeach / Movies: BeachWhat would you eat for your last meal: A big steakLast movie you saw: Jackass 2Last book you read: How to build your own homeFavourite athlete: Michael JohnsonFunniest person around the Australian diving scene: Thomas RickardsYou are having a dinner party and can invite three people, living or dead, who are they: Andre Agassi, TigerWoods, Roger FedererDiving is…: A sport that is painfully funScott Robertson in three words: Hard working, entertaining and always joking aroundwww.diving.asn.au

Q & A WITH NATIONAL TALENT ID CO-ORDINATOR CHANTELLE NEWBERRYQ -You’re starting a new position at Diving Australia in January as the National Talent IDCoordinator, what will be involved in this role for you?A - Basically I'll be trying to build up Australia's junior talent. I'll be co-ordinatingprograms to bring young kids into Diving, hopefully with a gymnastic or trampoliningbackground. After the kids are identified as potential elite athletes they will train with anelite coach which will prepare them for SIS/SAS programs, then hopefully they will go tojoin the national squad. I'll be concentrating on Queensland to start with then I'lleventually work with the other states.Q - Since starting your AIS Diving Scholarship in 1996 you have gone on to becomeAustralia’s only female diving Gold Medallist and developed as an important role modelwithin the sport. By taking up this position you will once again be playing a significant role. What are youpersonally hoping to achieve through your role?A - It's a huge role change for me but it's a one that I am passionate about. I'm sure that there is a huge pool oftalent to be found (pardon the pun) and it will be my job to track it down, introduce them to a great sport andprovide a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I spent a good 10 years with the AIS and I think I have agood understanding of Hui Tong's vision of what he has planned for Diving Australia and I'd like to be a part of thedirection we are headed in. This job will be an exciting learning curve and I'm looking forward to working withmany people around the country. I would love it if someone that I have identified makes it all the way tothe National program and one day wins an Olympic medal for Australia.Q - The Australian Diving Championships (Selections for the 12 th FINA World Championships) in January will be avital stepping stone for young talent. Will you be involved in the event?A -The Australian championships in Jan will be the second Nationals I won't be involved in for over 16 years. Thefirst was when Jet was born. It will be a shame not to be there and I'll be wondering how everyone is going but Istart my job at the end of Jan so it's family time until then. Also the kids I'll be looking at won't have reached thatelite level yet, they will be much younger and inexperienced and some won't even be diving yet.Q -Since retiring after this year’s Commonwealth Games, you and your husband, triple Olympic bronze medallist,Robert Newberry acquired much needed family time. What are some things your family has been getting up to?A - Since retirement for both Robert and I, we have extended our family to 4. Our second son 'Ryder Kade' wasborn 4 weeks premature on 13th of October weighing in at a tiny 2.6kg or 5lb13. Robert finished and passed hissecond year of medicine and also is working as a personal care assistant for the spinal injuries association. I'mstaying home over Christmas losing sleep and getting to know little Ryder. As for Jet, he will start primary schoolthe same day I start my job.Q - With plenty of diving talent between yourself and Robert, will we be seeingyour boys Jet and Ryder heading for the diving boards to attempt a medal inthe Synchro in 2016 (Olympics)?A - If they have a stubborn streak like myself I could hardly stop them but Iwould like to think they will have a go one day. I'd hate to think what kind ofdives they will have to learn to compete against the world's best in 2016. Imight be too scared to watch my own kids throw harder dives than their Mumand Dad.www.diving.asn.au

THE BOARD WALK…NATIONAL JUNIOR CAMPThe annual National camp for B & C Group divers was held from 3-8 December 2006 at Chandler AquaticCentre. The athletes Cameron Rees (VIC), Luke Hayes (VIC), Jesse Carver (QLD), Angus Colloff (NSW),Alice Broun (WA), Anna Gelai (VIC), Emma Jamieson (VIC), Amber Cameron (SA), Ashley de Meulenaere(QLD) were accommodated at Sports Super Centre at Southport and the coaches who attended were HuiTong (AIS), Chen Xiangning (QAS) and Steven Zhu (WA NTC).The benefits of such camps on the athletes can only increase the emerging talent of these young divers.2007 AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPSConducted at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from 12-14 January 2007Divers from Japan (Sayaka Shibusawa, Nao Takioka, Emi Otsuki, Shingo Yamada), NewZealand (Damian Brown) and Brazil (Ceasar Castro) are also competing.Team will be selected for 2007 FINA World Championships and named on Sunday evening2007 AYOF FESTIVALDA is in the process of finalising arrangements for 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival to be conducted inSydney from 17-21 January.The team has undergone some changes due to injury:o Coaches: Chen Xiangning (QAS) + Steven Zhu (WAIS)o Divers: Natasha Cocker (WA), Olivia Wright (NSWIS), Melissa Wu (AIS), Rhiannan Iffland(NSWIS), Jesse Carver (QLD), Cameron Rees (VIC), Luke Hayes (VIC), Rodger Lilleyman (QAS)o Team Manager: Margaret Pierceo Officials: Eric Brooker – Chief Referee, Amanda Johnson + Gillian Brooker + Wendy Pullar –judgesThe team will fly to Sydney from Melbourne following the completion of the 2007 Australian OpenChampionshipsTeams from Great Britain, China, Malaysia and Germany will be competing for AYOF medalswww.diving.asn.au

CIRQUE DE SOLEILAIS Head Coach, Hui Tong, took his divers to watch the latest show in Australia by the Cirque De Soleil – Vareiki.A great show full of non-stop action. Retired diver Gene Kimlin has completed a three month training course withthe Cirque in Canada and is awaiting appointment to one of the many shows around the world. E splash will keepup to date where Gene is posted….RESIGNATION – BRENDAN PURCELLBrendan Purcell has resigned from his position as HPM to take up the position of Head Kayak Coach, SeniorWomen with the Great Britain Canoe Association. The position is located in Nottingham, England. Brendan’s lastday was Friday, 15 December 2006.eSplash has had word that Brendan and his family have settled in and experiencing there first northernhemisphere winter…..bbbbbrrrrr He also cant start work until at least 8.30am as its still dark…..good luckBrendan!!The position of HPM with Diving Australia will be advertised early in the new year.SNAP SHOTSCHRISTMAS 2006BRENDAN PURCELL FAREWELLNSWIS AWARDSANY ONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE PHOTOGRAPHS TO ESPLASH PLEASE SEND TOkim.hamilton@hansonsportsmedia.comwww.diving.asn.au

WHATS ON…Diving Australia - Calendar of EventsACTIVITY VENUE DATE20072007 Australian Open Championships Melbourne, Vic 12-14 January2007 Australian Olympic Youth Festival Sydney, NSW 17-21 JanuaryWorld Championships Camp Brisbane 11-14 March12 th FINA World Championships Melbourne, AUS 19 March – 26 March2007 Australian Age Championships Perth, WA 18-22 April2007 China Grand Prix China21-13 April2007 Canada Cup Grand Prix Canada4-6 May2007 USA Grand Prix Ft Lauderdale, USA11-13 May2007 Mexico Grand Prix TBC18-20 May2007 German Grand Prix Rostock, Germany 25-27 May2007 Russian Grand Prix Electrostal, Russia1-3 June2007 Spanish Grand Prix TBC8-10 June2007 Italian Grand Prix Rome, Italy15-17 June2007 Australian Elite Junior Championships Adelaide, SA 10-12 July2007 World University Summer Games Bangkok, Thailand 8-18 August200829 th Olympic Games Beijing, China 8-24August 2008www.diving.asn.au

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If you have any interesting photos or information regarding diving please send tokim.hamilton@hansonsportsmedia.com to be considered for a future edition of eSplash.www.diving.asn.auFor All the latest Sporting News Direct from Hanson Sports Media Visit our website orSubscribe to our Aus-E Sports on line newsletter:If you wish to unsubscribe to Hanson Sports Media Alerts, Releases andMonitors please E-mail us at info@hansonsportsmedia.com with"UNSUBSCRIBE" in the Subject barOn behalf of: Diving AustraliaPh: (07) 381 32444Fax: (07) 38231363Email: diving@ausport.gov.auDISCLAIMER: This e-mail and any file transmitted with it are confidential and remain the property ofHanson Sports Media Pty Ltd. If this e-mail has been sent to you in error, please delete this e-mail andany copies or links to this e-mail completely and immediately from your system.www.diving.asn.au