On Sunday, 6th March 2022, the Swim England East Region held its first in-person diving development training day since the start of the pandemic. A group of 43 selected divers from Cambridge Dive Team, Luton Diving Club and Southend Diving Club and their coaches attended the Training Day at Basildon Sporting Village.
The first part of the day was hosted by South Essex Gymnastics Club with sessions being led by mens gymnastic coaches, Gemma and Silv. In the first session, the coaches took part in a forward, backwards and twisting support techniques workshop. All the coaches got involved supporting somersaults on the floor, trampoline and into the foam pit, picking up new techniques they can now put into practise at their home clubs.
The divers were then welcomed to the gym to take part in two sessions which covered the following themes: falling and somersaults; strength and conditioning; shoulder flexibility and handstands. The divers worked really hard throughout the day and were rewarded for their efforts and enthusiasm with some free time on the bars, rings, floor, vault, beam and trampoline.
After a well deserved lunch break, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (GB diver and Olympian) delivered a motivational talk to the divers and coaches. Andrea talked about her Olympic experience and day-to-day training schedule. The divers and coaches were given the opportunity to ask lots of questions about her diving and were given some useful tips including how to approach learning a new dive.
The Training Day was a valuable experience for the divers and coaches and we are already looking forward to the next one. The region would like to thank all those that participated in the Training Day, South Essex Gymnastics Club, Andrea, the Team Managers and everyone involved in organising the day.
