Daley determined to build on bronze in Changzhou
TOM DALEY insisted he is even more determined to improve despite returning to Plymouth in the form of his life and with a World Series bronze as proof of his continuing rise to the top of diving's pyramid.
The 14-year-old ignored a nagging back injury to turn in yet another career-defining performance in the second leg of this year's FINA event at Changzhou in China at the weekend.
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The Great Britain and Plymouth Diving Club star eliminated reigning Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham and scored two new personal bests – and came close to splitting the Chinese dominance in the men's 10m platform.
Daley's new personal best of 532.95 points in the preliminary round, which he improved to 540.70 in the final, he reckons, will put him under even more pressure going into the World Series third leg at Sheffield on April 18-19.
But that's fine, too, says the perfectionist in Daley (pictured right); all that goes with the territory and company he is now travelling with.
Hence the need and desire to bring to the table the higher-tariff dives which will raise the young Olympian to the next level – the very top.
"Of course, I'm delighted to have won a bronze medal in a World Series – it's an amazing feeling," Daley told Herald Sport.
"Matt (Mitcham) congratulated me on getting through to the final and I suppose it's kind of still sinking in that I managed to beat him.
"He's a fantastic diver. I've got so much respect for Matt and what he's done in his career.
"But I know there's a lot of work ahead of me yet and more difficult dives to add to my programme."
Daley added: "I think that's what you get when you compete against the top international divers – a reality check where you are in the terms of world diving.
"I'm more determined than ever to make sure I get those new dives under my belt.
"I know that because I'm a medallist and also British, I'll be under pressure at Sheffield for the third round.
"But that's all right – I'll be trying my best, as always."
British and European 10m champion Daley said his lower-back problem is also on the mend.
"My back's been a bit sore but it didn't really bother me in the first tour event at Doha and it definitely didn't in Changzhou," said Daley.
"I'll get better naturally with rest, but I must thank GB physio Gareth Ziyanbie for all his help."
4 Comments
by John, Christchurch
Tuesday, March 31 2009, 7:45PM
“I don't think there is any doubt about Tom being the best
14- year-old diver Brian. I did not think he could score such a high score without the top tariff dives, but he did. Full marks to his trainer also. I'm sure he guessed that the World Series experience would make Tom determined to try learning new dives again.”
by Phil, Sutton Harbour
Tuesday, March 31 2009, 4:03PM
“He's an amazing diver full stop. the fact that he's 14 makes his achievements even more remarkable.
To be performing at such a level (7th in the Olympics, now 3rd in a World Series event) reflects nothing but credit on the young man.”
by Piage Pickering, plymouth
Tuesday, March 31 2009, 11:59AM
“he's amazing for his age yet you get all the boy's sayin oh he's not that good but at the end of the day it's just JELOUSY keep it up tom”
by Brian, Babbacombe
Tuesday, March 31 2009, 6:51AM
“Considering he's not on the high tariff dives yet, this is a remarkable result. Tom is probably the best 14 year old high board diver on the world circuit at the moment. Well done Tom. See you in Sheffield.”