The 2023 World University Games in Chengdu, China were held earlier in August, with four Australian divers successfully making their senior international debuts. 

All four divers advanced to the finals of their respective events, proudly representing their country on the world stage. 

Natalie (Nina) Phan and Kennedy Cooper had the stand-out performances of the Australian athletes, narrowly missing the podium in two events. 

Cooper finished fourth in the Women’s 10-Metre Platform final with a total score of 255.20, while Phan was also fourth in the Women’s 1-Metre Springboard after scoring a total of 233.85 points. 

Phan also finished 11th in the Women’s 3-Metre Springboard. 

Kiarra Milligan was eighth in the Women’s 3-Metre Springboard and 12th in the Women’s 1-Metre Springboard while Hudson Skinner was sixth in the Men’s 1-Metre Springboard and eighth in the Men’s 3-Metre Springboard. Full scores listed, below…

The team was accompanied by coach and team manager Rebecca Stafford, an AIS National Generation 2032 Coach, based out of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). 

Stafford said the team’s experience was important to their development. 

“The team had an excellent performance at the World Uni Games, making it into the final of every event. The athletes looked comfortable and confident throughout and supported each other the whole way,” Stafford said. 

“Seeing the four athletes come together and build friendships with one another to build a sense of one team was wonderful to be a part of. 

“This experience was the perfect debut on the international stage and will have helped build the four athletes’ confidence and drive as we head into the 2024 season.” she said. 

2023 World University Games Final Results 

Kennedy Cooper (NSW)
Women’s 10-Metre Platform final - 4th place (255.20)

Natalie (Nina) Phan (VIC)
Women’s 1-Metre Springboard final - 4th place (233.85)
Women’s 3-Metre Springboard final - 11th place (232.65)

Kiarra Milligan (QLD) 
Women’s 3-Metre Springboard final - 8th place (239.25)
Women’s 1-Metre Springboard semi-final - 12th place (208.26)

Hudson Skinner (VIC)
Men’s 1-Metre Springboard final - 6th place (332.50)
Men’s 3-Metre Springboard final - 8th place (344.60)