Friday 8 March marks International Women’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women diving in Australia, past and present. 

Diving Australia is fortunate to have a strong female leadership within the organisation, including current Diving Australia Chair, Liz Jack. 

Jack, who is an accomplished diver, represented Australia at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games before turning her attention poolside in both coaching and sports administration. 

Having observed the sporting landscape over a number of years, Jack shared there has been positive change in how women engage with sport.  

“Female sport has certainly grown in popularity over the years, not just from the perspective of participants, but also in the way it's covered by the media,” said Jack. 

“Diving Australia is really driving a change in opportunities to support women, specifically in the coaching space.  

“Most of our pathway and development coaches are women and we have three on the Gen2032 fast track coaching program.  

“There is still work to do to ensure there are more women in the top end and head/national coaching roles but we are making sure this is a key focus area.”

Reflecting on her career in sports administration, Jack shared support from mentors was the key to her success. 

 “I’ve been particularly fortunate in my career in sports administration and can honestly say that none of the challenges I faced related to me being female,” said Jack. 

“I have had some incredibly supportive mentors over the years, and all of them were male. 

“As well as supporting me, they challenged me and pushed me to explore opportunities that I might not have otherwise done. They helped me see that often, the barriers we perceive are in our own minds.”
 
When Jack was asked what her best advice for women looking to be involved in sport, she shared, “Back yourself and have faith in your own potential and skills.”

“Find a trusted mentor whether they be male or female, who can support you and push you in equal measure. And if there’s something you want to achieve, verbalise it. Don’t keep it in your head. Sometimes, the more we vocalise our aspirations, the more ‘real’ they become. “