Albatross diver James West took G
old and the National Title in the Boys C 1m event at the British Junior Elite Diving Championships in Plymouth with a PB score of 306.55.
Junior Elites is the pinnacle of the British Junior Diving Calendar when GB’s top junior competitors come together to battle it out for National Titles in their respective age groups. This is the first time that Albatross have won a British National Title at Junior Elite Level and so it was with extreme pride that 13 year old James stepped onto the podium to receive his Gold medal.
Consistency and close attention to form in all his dives set James apart from his competitors. Entering the final James knew there could be no room for error and he rose to the challenge. His final three dives were outstanding: 47.5 points for his back one and a half somersault one and a half twist; 44.40 points for inward one and a half somersault pike; 49.40 points for two and a half somersault pike.
James also qualified for the finals in the 3m event where he finished 4th with 304.55 a mere 6.6 points behind the Bronze medal winner. In platform James finished 11th with a preliminary score of 264.05.
James, who is coached by Albatross Head coach Malcolm Green, has had a hugely successful season. After winning a bronze 1m medal at Junior Elites in 2016 (279.70) James went on to win two further 1m Gold medals at club Grand Prix events. This was alongside three Silvers and two Bronzes in 3m and platform. James is also the 2016 English Schools National Junior Champion on 1m.
