37 young athletes from across the country competed in the Diving Australia 2024 Australian National Skills Final at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from Friday 5 July to Sunday 7 July.

The competition, which has been running since 2019, assessed divers aged 8 - 13 years old on a number of skills both in and out of the water, with a focus on supporting some of the next generation of Australia’s best divers to develop a well rounded technical and physical base. 

Diving Australia’s General Manager Performance Pathways Suzie Collins said the National Skills Final is an important process for youth divers. 

“The National Skills Final is a crucial event in our pathway program, and one which we are keen  to expand to include more athletes from across Australia,” said Collins.

“This competition challenges athletes on their fundamental diving skills, both in dryland and in the pool, and serves as an essential entry-level competition for those in the pathway.”

The National Skills Final also provided a platform for divers to connect with divers from different states through team-building activities.

“This year, following the dryland event, divers were grouped into multi-state teams to participate in various team-building exercises, including a 3-meter Egg Drop challenge. Meanwhile, parents engaged in a Pathway Program Workshop,” said Collins. 

“National Skills Final this year was a standalone event for the first time, creating a great atmosphere for the athletes. 

“For many this event was their first national event so it was a great experience for them to compete on a national stage and build friendships with friends from other teams.” 

The next scheduled event for youth divers will be the 2024 Australian Elite Junior Championships held from Thursday 26 September to 29 September at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. 

Results from the 2024 National Skills Final can be found here.