Queenslanders to watch at All Age diving nationals

As Queenslanders headed by teen Cassiel Rousseau prepare for Olympic Games selection, the next generation of diving stars will be glimpsed at the All Age Nationals starting tomorrow.

As Queenslanders headed by teen Cassiel Rousseau prepare for Olympic Games selection, the next generation of diving stars will be glimpsed at the All Age Nationals starting at the Sleeman Sports Complex on Wednesday.

A 37-strong Queensland team will take on teams from other states in an interstate shootout which was last won by Victoria in 2019.

Queensland has a proud tradition in the sport, with Rousseau, a Cleveland State College alumni, the latest in an impressive list of locals making a splash in diving.

Diver Cassiel Rousseau. Picture, John Gass

In the past world and Olympic medallists Michael Murphy, Loudy Wiggins (nee Tourky), Brittany Broben and Dom Bedggood have represented Queensland.

Only last month Rousseau encouraged budding young divers to dare to dream, saying he never in his wildest dreams thought he would be on the cusp of Olympic selection after transitioning from the Robertson Gymnastic Academy just a few years ago.

Now he has qualified Australia for the 10m event in Tokyo and was a fingernail from qualifying for the Games.

RELATED LINKS

ALYSHA INSPIRED BY HER PEERS

HOW KEENEY HAD TO FALL BEFORE SHE WALKED

And so the current batch of next generation Queensland divers will have their chance to impress at the All Age Nationals, just as Rousseau once did.

One of the coaches ahead of the All Ages diving nationals.

Diving Australia Manager, Competitions and Administration Jodie Gillam said the event signals a strong return to national competition after the COVID-19 disruptions.

Diving Queensland State Administrator Toni Toohey said the event allowed the national diving community to reconnect after a period apart.

“We are so excited to welcome our friends from other states to Brisbane this week,” Toohey

said. “They have all been training and working for the opportunity to compete for a position on the podium, and now that opportunity is finally here.

“I think it is going to be a great week of competition, and for Diving Queensland to host is just the cherry on top.”

QUEENSLAND TEAMS

Women: BAKHTIYAROVA Leena, BARNIER Rebecca, BISHOP Millie, CAMERON Sara, CATHCART Lily, DALLIDAY Taneeka, DRAKE Charlee, EGAN Michaela, FAIRKETTLE Addison, GILLIS Mia, GOODALL Lucy, HARRISON Abigail, HARRISON Lucinda, LAGERWAY Sansanee, LARKINS Lucy, MAGEE Ashleigh, MANAGE Teesha, MATKOVIC Julie, MYBURGH Annie, NOORT Sascha, PEARCE Louise, RAYSON Kodii, SMITH Isabella, SPICCIA Chiara, STIMPSON Ashlee, STONE Allissa, THOMAS Aleisha, VAN GOOL Amber, WALDROFF Natasha, WILKES Samantha.

Men: DALLIDAY Jaydon, HUGHES Austin, McMAH Bailey, PERILLA Markus, PICTON Zachary, VAN DAM Jack, WHITE Kobi.