www.diving.asn.au HUI TONG’S MAJOR COUP TO SNARE HIS “CHINA PLATE” FROM THE US DIVING AUSTRALIA has pulled off a major coup by appointing heralded Chinese Olympic diver and coach Kongzheng Li to the role of Head Coach of the Victorian National Training Centre in Melbourne. “KZ”, as he is universally known throughout the diving community, comes to Australia with a wealth of Olympic experience both on the boards and tower and as a coach in the USA. As a competitor “KZ” (pictured left with his old friend and rival, Diving Australia head coach Hui Tong) participated in over 50 international competitions representing China and the USA between 1975-1998 - a stellar career highlighted by bronze in the 10m platform at the 1984 LA Olympics – where he defeated Hui, who was fourth. Gold in the 1984 Olympic final went to the legendary Greg Louganis (who also won gold on three metre) with Australia’s triple Olympian Stephen Foley, ninth. “KZ” and Hui met at a diving exhibition in China in 1976 – “KZ” was 17 and Hui just 13. “KZ” had joined the National Team in 1973 and in 1974 won the platform event at the Asian Games, making him “hot property” in China – Hui later joined the National Team in 1977. The pair had many battles over that time and at the China National Championships in 1982 the pair tied for first place on three- metre springboard. “KZ” moved to the USA in 1985 and returned in 1988 for the Olympic Trials – competing for a spot on the Olympic team against his old mate Hui. “KZ” won the event and a place on the team for Seoul. The same year the pair both retired from competitive diving. In a celebrated career, “KZ” would beat Greg Louganis four times – three on platform and once on three metre. “KZ” also combined competing and coaching in the USA, including stints at a number of leading colleges including George Washington University, the University of Texas, the University of Minnesota and Florida International University and he also served more than 20 times as a USA Diving National Team Coach, Team Leader/Manager and Judge for international competitions. Now settled in Melbourne, “KZ” will work with his long time friend and team mate Hui to ensure Australia’s diving talent continues to prosper long after the names Newbery, Helm, Barnett and Tourky have left the sport. And so far “KZ” likes what he sees – both in the water and out. TALENT SEARCH “I enjoy Australia very much and although I have been here many times before I had never been to Melbourne until now,” said the esteemed coach. “I love this city because it is a modern city and the culture is great but I am also impressed with the state of diving in this country. Diving in Australia has been really good on the world stage for years and I can see talent here too.” One thing “KZ” views as a challenge for Diving Australia is our lack of competitive divers. “One thing I have noticed is we don’t have as many divers around, we lack numbers diving at a base level. At my last club in California I had 60 or 70 divers but in Victoria, where we have some great talent, we don’t have the same numbers,” he said. “KZ’s” squad in Melbourne will be funded by Diving Australia and will act primarily as a feeder or development squad for the AIS program run by Hui in Brisbane, but “KZ” says it could also cater for senior divers based in Melbourne that are not able to move to Brisbane. 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS The group will have up to 10 members aged mostly between 10 and 18, with a focus squarely on the 2012 Olympics in London but “KZ” says there are a few that may be ready to make their mark sooner. “We will mainly have young divers preparing for the 2012 Olympics,” he said. Diving Australia Supported by
Transcript
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HUI TONG’S MAJOR COUP TO SNARE HIS “CHINA PLATE” FROM THE US
DIVING AUSTRALIA has pulled off a major coup by appointing heralded Chinese Olympic diver and coach Kongzheng Li to the role of Head Coach of the Victorian National Training Centre in Melbourne. “KZ”, as he is universally known throughout the diving community, comes to Australia with a wealth of Olympic experience both on the boards and tower and as a coach in the USA. As a competitor “KZ” (pictured left with his old friend and rival, Diving Australia head coach Hui Tong) participated in over 50 international competitions representing China and the USA between 1975-1998 - a stellar career highlighted by bronze in the 10m platform at the 1984 LA Olympics – where he defeated Hui, who was fourth.
Gold in the 1984 Olympic final went to the legendary Greg Louganis (who also won gold on three metre) with Australia’s triple Olympian Stephen Foley, ninth. “KZ” and Hui met at a diving exhibition in China in 1976 – “KZ” was 17 and Hui just 13. “KZ” had joined the National Team in 1973 and in 1974 won the platform event at the Asian Games, making him “hot property” in China – Hui later joined the National Team in 1977. The pair had many battles over that time and at the China National Championships in 1982 the pair tied for first place on three-metre springboard. “KZ” moved to the USA in 1985 and returned in 1988 for the Olympic Trials – competing for a spot on the Olympic team against his old mate Hui. “KZ” won the event and a place on the team for Seoul. The same year the pair both retired from competitive diving. In a celebrated career, “KZ” would beat Greg Louganis four times – three on platform and once on three metre. “KZ” also combined competing and coaching in the USA, including stints at a number of leading colleges including George Washington University, the University of Texas, the University of Minnesota and Florida International University and he also served more than 20 times as a USA Diving National Team Coach, Team Leader/Manager and Judge for international competitions. Now settled in Melbourne, “KZ” will work with his long time friend and team mate Hui to ensure Australia’s diving talent continues to prosper long after the names Newbery, Helm, Barnett and Tourky have left the sport. And so far “KZ” likes what he sees – both in the water and out. TALENT SEARCH “I enjoy Australia very much and although I have been here many times before I had never been to Melbourne until now,” said the esteemed coach. “I love this city because it is a modern city and the culture is great but I am also impressed with the state of diving in this country. Diving in Australia has been really good on the world stage for years and I can see talent here too.” One thing “KZ” views as a challenge for Diving Australia is our lack of competitive divers. “One thing I have noticed is we don’t have as many divers around, we lack numbers diving at a base level. At my last club in California I had 60 or 70 divers but in Victoria, where we have some great talent, we don’t have the same numbers,” he said. “KZ’s” squad in Melbourne will be funded by Diving Australia and will act primarily as a feeder or development squad for the AIS program run by Hui in Brisbane, but “KZ” says it could also cater for senior divers based in Melbourne that are not able to move to Brisbane. 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS The group will have up to 10 members aged mostly between 10 and 18, with a focus squarely on the 2012 Olympics in London but “KZ” says there are a few that may be ready to make their mark sooner. “We will mainly have young divers preparing for the 2012 Olympics,” he said.
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“We will build up to be as good as possible but in this program I can see a few competing in 2012 and some may even be ready for senior open level very soon.” “KZ” says he has his old mate Hui to thank for getting him down to Australia. “I almost came here a long time ago, about 10 years ago now, but things didn’t work out but now Diving Australia is doing well and the Federal Government gives more support and I knew I had always wanted to be here,” he explained in his Chinese-American accent that already has a touch of Aussie slang. “Hui really wanted me to come to Australia and without his support I wouldn’t even be here.” Together “KZ” and Hui, just might strike the right cord, with the future in very capable hands. David Lyall Chief writer – eSplash
DID YOU KNOW? THAT the 12th FINA World Championships marks an historic occasion for Melbourne which will become the first city to host the Olympic Games (1956), Commonwealth Games (2006) and FINA World Championships (2007).
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE
Victorians are spoilt for choice when it comes to global events and next March will be no exception when Melbourne hosts the 12th FINA World Championships. The best aquatic athletes in the world will be in Melbourne from 17th March – 1st April, competing across five disciplines – Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Synchronised Swimming. Some 2000 elite athletes from 175 nations will hit Melbourne, competing for the title as world’s best. The Championships will be the biggest lead up event to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre will host Diving and Water Polo, the Open Water Swimming will be held at St Kilda Beach and Rod Laver Arena will host Swimming and Synchronised Swimming, with a 50m temporary competition pool to be installed.
The 12th FINA World Championships has a bigger aquatic program than the recent Commonwealth Games and Athens Olympics. Tickets to the biggest aquatics event Melbourne has ever seen, the 12th FINA World Championships, went on sale on Monday, October 16, offering the chance to see the world’s best compete. Tickets can be purchased via the Ticketek website (ticketek.com.au), a dedicated phone line (1300 136 494) and Ticketek 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 Swimming Corporation website: www.melbourne2007.com.au.
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The 2007 World Swimming Championships Corporation announces changes to the Competition Program Further to the announcement that the 2007 FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix will be held at Albert Park on Sunday, March 18 2007, the 2007 World Swimming Championships Corporation commenced a review of the competition program for next year’s 12th FINA World Championships. Specifically, this review assessed the impact that the 2007 FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix has on the competition program for the World Championships – in particular the Diving program which was scheduled to commence on Sunday, March 18 2007. During this review process, the best interests of the athletes, teams and officials have been the most important consideration. The review also included consultation with a number of key stakeholders including the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and FINA. As a result of this review process being completed, the Corporation announced the following changes to the competition program for next year’s World Championships. Summary of changes to the Diving Competition Program • The Diving Program has been moved back a day so that it now commences on Monday, March 19th and concludes on Monday, March 26th. All events in the Diving program will now start a day later. • Preliminaries and Finals in the Diving program will start at the same time as scheduled in the original competition program except for the following: - On Day 8 of the World Championships (25/3/2007) the Women’s 3M Final will now be held between1500-1615 and the Men’s 10M Final will now be held between 1700-1830. - On Day 9 of the World Championships (26/3/2007), the Women’s 3M Synchronised Final and the Men’s 10M Synchronised Final will be held between 1530-1830. These changes to the Diving Competition program have been made to: • Ensure that the noise impact on the competition from the Grand Prix is eliminated; • The order of events in the original competition program is retained; and • There is no clash with the timing of Finals across the entire competition program. Summary of training arrangements at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) • The training period for the diving athletes will now be extended from five days to seven days – starting Monday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 18th. • 58 hours of training time at MSAC will be made available during this time. • No Grand Prix events are scheduled between Monday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 14th. • During these days 11 hours of training at MSAC will be available between 0700-1330 and 1500-1930; • Between Thursday, March 15th and Saturday, March 17th, training at MSAC is scheduled between 0700-0900 and 1800-2200. • On Sunday, March 18th, seven hours of training at MSAC will be available between 0700-0900 and 1700-2200.
SHARLEEN TALKS UP A STORM: Sharleen Stratton after winning the women’s 1m springboard
at the 2006 Australian Open Diving Championships in Melbourne, photo HSM
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2007 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
Albert Park, Melbourne
18-25 March PROGRAM OF EVENTS
DAY DATE TIME EVENT Day 2 Monday 19 March 10.00am – 1.30pm Preliminary Men’s 3 Metre Synchro
Preliminary Women’s 10 Metre Synchro
5.30pm – 6.45pm FINAL Men’s 3 Metre Synchro
8.45pm – 10.00pm FINAL Women’s 10 Metre Synchro
Day 3 Tuesday, 20 March 10.00am – 1.30pm Preliminary Men’s 1 Metre
6.30pm – 9.10pm Preliminary Women’s 10 Metre
Day 4 Wednesday, 21 March
10.00am – 1.30pm Semi-Final Men’s 1 Metre
Semi-Final Women’s 10 Metre
5.30pm – 6.20pm FINAL Men’s 1 Metre
8.30pm – 9.45pm FINAL Women’s 10 Metre
Day 5 Thursday, 22 March
10.00am – 2.15pm Preliminary Men’s 3 Metre
6.30pm – 9.20pm Preliminary Women’s 1 Metre
Day 6 Friday, 23 March 10.00am – 1.40pm Semi-Final Women’s 1 Metre
Semi-Final Men’s 3 Metre
6.00pm – 6.50pm FINAL Women’s 1 Metre
8.30pm – 10.00pm FINAL Men’s 3 Metre
Day 7 Saturday, 24 March 10.00am – 1.10pm Preliminary Women’s 3 Metre
6.30pm – 10.00pm Preliminary Men’s 10 Metre
Day 8 Sunday, 25 March 10.00am – 1.40pm Semi-Final Women’s 3 Metre
Semi-Final Men’s 10 Metre
3.00pm – 4.15pm FINAL Women’s 3 Metre
5.00pm – 6.30pm FINAL Men’s 10 Metre
Day 9 Monday , 26 March 10.00am – 2.00pm Preliminary Women’s 3 Metre Synchro
Preliminary Men’s 10 Metre Synchro
3.30pm – 6.30pm FINAL Women’s 3 Metre Synchro
FINAL Men’s 10 Metre Synchro
HELPING HAND: High Performance Manager Brendan Purcell receives a helping hand
from DA President Philip Pullar and NTC coach Chava Sorbrino at the recent Development program camp. Photo DA
NEW
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MELISSA WU TO GET TASTE OF OLYMPICS IN SYDNEY Australia’s latest diving sensation Melissa Wu will get a taste of the Olympics two years before Beijing after being named in the Australian Diving team to contest the Australian Youth
Olympic Festival in Sydney from January 17-21. Wu made a splash earlier this year when she won her first National title in the 10m platform at just 13, before winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in the 10m Synchro with partner Alex Croak. She has since won the World Junior 10m platform gold medal in Kuala Lumpur and now has the Australian Youth Olympic Festival on her list before next year’s FINA World Championships in Melbourne next March and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Wu, at 14, is regarded as one of Diving Australia’s real medal hopes for Beijing and she follows hot on the heels of recently-retired 2004 Olympic champion Chantelle Newbery – Australia’s first Olympic gold medallist since Dick Eve in 1924. Australian head coach Hui Tong knows he has someone special in the tiny diver they call “Woodles”. “Melissa has all the qualities to become a world class diver and Diving Australia certainly has high hopes for her,” said Hui, himself an Olympic diver with China in Los Angeles in 1984. “She has shown ability and maturity well beyond her years and I’m sure she will give us many thrills on the way to Beijing. “The Australian Youth Olympic Festival will be another great opportunity for Melissa and our young team to perform in an international competition.” The tiny Brisbane-based diving star is one of three Queenslanders in the team with Rodger Lilleyman and Jessie Carver joining their illustrious team mate for the Olympic Festival. This is the second year diving has been included in the Youth Olympic Festival and is another opportunity for our young divers to have international competition without leaving our shores.
OLYMPIC ROYALTY: 2004 Athens Olympic 10m platform gold medallist Chantelle Newbery with Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Athens silver medallist in the 100m breaststroke Brooke Hanson. Photo HSM
GIRLS STATE BOYS STATE Melissa Wu (QLD) Rodger Lilleyman (QLD) Natasha Cocker (WA) Cameron Rees (VIC) Rachel Bugg (SA) Luke Hayes (VIC) Alice Broun (WA) Jessie Carver (QLD) Annabel Hall - Reserve (WA) Cody Caldwell - Reserve (SA)
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ATHLETE PROFILE OFF THE BOARDS WITH…………………SHARLEEN STRATTON Each month eSplash feature’s an exclusive athlete profile when Hanson Sports Media’s DAVID LYALL climbs up onto the boards to take the plunge with some of Australia’s best divers. This month Lyall sought a quick reaction from one of the world’s brightest rising stars – 2006 Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist – Sharleen Stratton. SHARLEEN STRATTON Age: 19 Nickname: Shaz Brisbane: Sunshine Coach Hui Tong: My coach Favourite event: 3m Best ever performance: Nationals 1M in 2006 Why: I got a really high personal best and beat Irina Lashko 2002 FINA Junior World Championships – Germany: Scary 2004 FINA Junior World Championships – Brazil: Fun 2005 FINA World Championships – Montreal: Scary and a good experience 2006 Commonwealth Games - Melbourne: Awesome 2007 FINA World Championships – Melbourne: I hope to be there 2008 Olympics - Beijing: Exciting and I want to be there too Inspirations: Chantelle Newbery Role Models: The people I train with like Bree Cole Chantelle Newbery: A lot of fun Blythe Hartley: Good diver Jingjing Guo: Amazing My dream is…: To represent Australia at 2008 Olympics The greatest thing you will take from your diving career: The experience from competitions and visiting different countries Life after diving: Haven’t thought of that yet What can’t you live without: Chocolate Favourite item of clothing: T-Shirts Music: R&B TV: Will and Grace AFL / NRL / Union: NRL Favourite sporting team: Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Tea / Coffee / Milo: Coffee Meat Pie / Salad: Salad Beach / Movies: Beach What would you eat for your last meal: Pancakes and ice cream and chocolate Last movie you saw: The Devil Wears Prada
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Last book you read: Girl with a Pearl Earring Favourite athlete: Li Ting Funniest person around the Australian diving scene: Bree Cole You are having a dinner party and can invite three people, living or dead, who are they: My friends Elise, Alan and Nadia Diving is…: Exciting and my life at the moment Sharleen Stratton in three words (or four): Likes to-have fun
‘SISTERS’ IN ARMS: Synchro pair Sharleen Stratton and Bree Cole at the FINA Southern Cross Grand Prix earlier this year in Sydney, Photo HSM
TRIPLE TREAT: Alex Croak, Melissa Wu and Sharleen Stratton at the media call prior to the 2006 FINA Grand Prix in Rome, Photo: HSM
PUMPED: Sharleen pumps the air after winning gold in the 3m synchronised springboard with partner Bree Cole and silver in the 1m springboard events, at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Photo: HSM
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LIGHTS…CAMERA…ACTION…DIVERS TOSSED INTO DEEP END!
As part of the High Performance Camp, Hanson Sports Media presented a Media Training day for the athletes who were in attendance. Ian Hanson (pictured right), who has attended every Olympic Games since 1984 as a member of the working media or as a Media Liaison Officer on the Australian Olympic team, gave an overview of the role the media plays and how it works in a competition scenario and how important it is to present yourself well and that the “camera is always rolling” - as our athletes found out first hand.
Our camera man for the day, Network Seven’s Lee Hubner set up his equipment and the athletes introduced themselves one-by-one and spoke a little about who they are and what they do along with their short and long term goals – and also something different about themselves and their lives away from diving. By watching the vision back on television they could put into practice what Ian (Hanso) had spoken to them about regarding eye contact, body position and smiling. A “mock press conference” with a crowd of “divers-cum-journalists” led by Nicole Ng (from The Australian), was a great way for the athletes to learn that not all questions will be easy to answer and learning that “No comment” isn’t best way to respond to a tough question. The athletes were told that the media would then believe there is more to a situation when there really isn’t. The final exercise was held outside simulating a live cross into Sunrise/Today Show, looking straight down the barrel of the camera. All athletes had improved 110% with their self confidence, body language and the all important smile, it was extremely pleasing to see the turn-a-round from the start of the day’s exercise. Diving Australia should be pleased to know that some of the other sports could take a lesson from their very talented and eager to learn athletes, learning how to present themselves to the media not only for their own benefit but for their chosen sport, is not always an easy thing to do. With the world’s media converging on Melbourne next year at the FINA World Championships and with the
countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics on in earnest, the world will be watching and I’m sure the athletes will do their sport and themselves proud. – KIM HAMILTON (Account Manager, Diving, HSM).
FACING THE CAMERA: Cameraman Lee Hubner and Media Director Ian Hanson put the divers through their paces. Photo: HSM.
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THE BOARD WALK DA DIVING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Diving Australia conducted a Development Program for members of the National Squad and National Development Squad over three days in October at the Cedar Creek Lodges near Mt Tamborine. The camp was conducted as part of the rebuilding phase for the high performance program leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2012 Olympic Games in Manchester. DA needed to lay down a solid foundation in preparation for the challenges that will confront DAs administration, coaches and athletes over the next couple of years. To ensure the learning and momentum gained from this program is sustained it is envisaged that the camp will form part of an ongoing development plan that will be enhanced and reinforced every three months leading up to the 2007 camp. Attendees included twelve athletes from the National Squad and National Development Squad, six NTC coaches, DA Board Chairman, Philip Pillar, program co-ordinator’s from NSWIS (Angela Yong), SASI (Mike Martens), WAIS (Andrew Smith), DA High Performance Manager Brendan Purcell and CEO Mary Godden. The camp was greatly enhanced by the presence of Olympic champion Chantelle Newbery (who at that stage was very close to giving birth – and finally did – see “Newbery Clan Grows” below) and Mathew Helm. The facilitators for the camp were Brian Dickinson and Maree Page from Page Learning.
SNAP SHOTS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM L-R: JUST HANGIN AROUND: Grant Nel wearing a safety harness on one of the challenges, GROUP HUDDLE: Team DA being briefed on activities, AHOY THERE: Mel Wu starts one of the many challenges. PEACE BROTHER: Chen Xiang Ning takes time out to smile for the camera. Photos DA DA/STATE ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP & 2006 AGM The annual DA/State Association workshop was conducted in Brisbane on 21 October followed by the 2006 AGM on 22 October. The purpose of the workshop was to look at the management and achievements of each State association and discuss the compilation of a “model” for a member association in Diving. Two participants from each member association attended the workshop along with the Board of Diving Australia.
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NEWBERY CLAN GROWS Chantelle and Robert Newbery added to their family recently with a bouncing baby boy, Ryder Kade born at 5.17am on October 13 weighing 2.65kg (5lb 13) right on 36 weeks. I’m sure Ryder will be able to take on his big brother Jet in a few years time. If they take after their incredibly talented parents look out for the Newbery boys in the 10m synchronised platform in the 2020 Olympics!!
WHATS ON…
Diving Australia - Calendar of Events ACTIVITY VENUE DATE
2006
National Development Squad Camp Brisbane, Qld 27 Nov – 2 December
National Junior Squad Camp TBA 3-9 December
National TID Squad Camp TBA 10-14 December
2007
2007 Australian Open Championships Melbourne, Vic 12-14 January
2007 Australian Olympic Youth Festival Sydney, NSW 17-21 January
World Championships Camp Brisbane 11-14 March
12th FINA World Championships Melbourne, AUS 19 March – 26 March
2007 Australian Age Championships Perth, WA 18-22 April
2007 German Grand Prix Rostock, Germany TBA
2007 Russian Grand Prix Electrostal, Russia TBA
2007 China Grand Prix China TBA
2007 Canada Cup Grand Prix Canada TBA
2007 USA Grand Prix Ft Lauderdale, USA TBA
2007 Italian Grand Prix Rome, Italy TBA
2007 Australian Elite Junior Championships Adelaide, SA 10-12 July
2007 FINA Diving Grand Prix Super Final TBA TBA
2007 World University Summer Games Bangkok, Thailand 8-18 August
2008
29th Olympic Games Beijing, China 8-24August 2008
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