Diving Scheme Shows Signs Of Success

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31277, 25 January 1967, Page 11

Diving Scheme Shows Signs Of Success

rpHE Canterbury SwimA ming Centre's scheme to boost diving is already showing signs of success. A rise in the standard of performance particularly among the leading competitors—was noticeable at the second of four diving competitions, held at the Sockburn Park. The competition is fulfilling a very useful purpose in Introducing prospective new divers to competition. A disappointing feature of the second contest was that only one competitor in the Canterbury diving championships took part However, among the competitors were several who could become prominent in Canterbury diving in the near future and fill the gaps left by the retirement of R. L. Hodge and Miss Helen Hutton.

The best performances were returned by Desmond Kenny, a 16-year-old from the Jellie Park Club, and the two new Canterbury representatives, Joy Meyer (St Albans) and Christine Rhodes (Jellie Park). Kenny who performed the full quota of five dives, dived consistently averaging more than 6.5 points a dive. If he can add the reverse dive to his repertoire and improve his general technique he could go on to higher honours. Miss Meyer gained the second over-all placing with a very workmanlike performance from four dives. As Miss Meyer is still in the under-14 age group, her progress in adding the more difficult dives will be watched with interest Last season Miss Meyer dived consistently in the Canterbury championships and her continuing interest is an indication of her intention to aim for higher honours. A newcomer to diving, Miss Rhodes performed only the three compulsory dives, but impressed with the preciseness of her movements and the neat entry to the water. Her inexperience was clearly shown in her board work; when she prac-

tises this aspect and adds further dives she could take over the mantle of Miss Hutton. At the request of the Canterbury selectors, Misses Meyer and Rhodes are to be coached by the former New Zealand champions, Hodge and Miss Hutton, before they compete in the South Island championships on Saturday.

The remaining divers competed with more enthusiasm than finesse and clearly showed the need for intensive coaching.