The 2021 Australian Age Championships wrapped up in Brisbane this weekend after four and a half days of fantastic grassroots diving.

Following the opening ceremony on Tuesday, New South Wales kicked off a successful week in the pool taking home the State Team Challenge title narrowly edging out a confident home Queensland team. Victoria and South Australia notched third and fourth place finished respectively.

Although athletes from Western Australia were unable to attend in person, a brand new video submission format allowed the Perth based team to compete from their home pool.

Western Australian divers were judged alongside athletes competing in person in Brisbane with identical judging panels. The innovation allowed for a true Australian Championships to take place even with travel restrictions limiting interstate movement.

Across the four days of official competition 51 Australian Age titles were awarded. Athletes from each state came away with gold medals.

In total, more than 168 divers competed in the event, in age groups ranging from 11 and under to over 50.

The event was hosted by the Sleeman Sports Complex, the home of diving at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Brisbane Aquatic Centre Events Coordinator Tracey Galvin said the event is a welcomed return to age diving in the state.

“We are very privileged to have to have Diving Australia and the 2021 Australian Age Championships at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre,” Galvin said.

“After the cancelation of the 2020 event, it is great to see the diving community back in action here in Brisbane.

“We look forward to the next diving event here at the Sleeman Sport Complex but more so, we can’t wait to welcome back all the divers, officials, and volunteers.”

Diving Australia would like to thank the Sleeman Sports Complex for their continued support and assistance in hosting diving events in Brisbane.

“the Australian Age Championships is such an important event in the calendar for our sport.” Diving Australia CEO David Bell said, “Although there is often a focus on the podium at the Olympic Games, it all starts here with these grassroots athletes, their coaches, and their families.

“with all of the hurdles that we have been faced with over the last two years it is great to see so many divers competing in Brisbane and via video submission this week.

“It has been a huge effort from so many people, including the Diving Australia Team, but most of all our fantastic volunteers, to put this successful event together.”

Full event results are available at diverecorder.co.uk 

Photographs of the event are for purchase from medalshots.com