Make a splash

Montana Ritchie has continued to dive into success this year.

Montana Ritchie, 11 at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre. Pictures: Melvyn Knipe

Montana Ritchie has continued to dive into success this year.

The 11-year-old from Kellyville won two gold medals at this year’s Australian Elite Junior Nationals, one for the National Elite Pathways Program Level 2 springboard and platform and one for the NEPP Level 2 synchro with her partner Zara.

Montana won two gold medals for her diving at the Australian Elite Junior Nationals this year.

She also picked up the Diving Australia Diver of the Year award for her category.

Montana said she was excited by her results at nationals.

“I felt really proud of my achievements and happy because I had been training really well before the comp,” she said. “I was surprised to get Elite Level 2 diver of the year, I was not expecting that.”

It was only Montana’s second time at the Elite Nationals, where she placed 10th last year.

“This year was hard because I already knew what to expect, and I felt a bit more pressure to do well,” she said.

In just her third year of diving, she has already accumulated many medals, including a silver at last year’s Pacific School Games.

After performing well at this year’s NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Diving Championships, she represented the state at the School Sport Australia Championships in Lightning Ridge. It has not been all smooth sailing though.

Montana had to use her strength and determination to recover from a knee injury earlier in the year, which left her in pain for about two months.

“I have learned now that setbacks can be a good thing because they give you time to think about your goals,” she said.

The Junior Sports Star competition is proudly sponsored by Rebel.

To nominate someone you know, visit juniorsportsstar.com.au.