JSS nominee Nycora’s rapid rise in the junior diving world
IT WAS Nycora Fortt’s curiosity which has provided him an unexpected springboard into NSW diving competitions, with the potential to reach higher levels here and overseas
Local Sports Stars
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IT WAS Nycora Fortt’s curiosity which has provided him an unexpected springboard into NSW diving competitions, with the potential to reach higher levels here and overseas.
The Riverstone youngster was at the pool about five years ago with his dad when he saw divers in action.
Piqued by the techniques he went up to the coach and asked him how old he had to be to start diving. He was told he had be nine years.
Since taking up the highly technical sport soon after turning nine, Nycora — who turns 11 next month — has had some phenomenal results and is now among the top ranked divers in his age group.
Among his cherished wins is the prestigious Diving NSW’s boys 11 and under Diver of the Year Award for 2015/16.
This week’s Local Sports Star nominee took to the sport like he was born to it, winning gold in his first competition just three months after his first dives.
Nycora has started the year like he finished it — he had three golds at the 2016 Metropolitan championships in November — capturing the 5m and 3m golds and a 1m silver at the NSW Championships last month.
Nycora is hoping to garner at least one title at the 2017 nationals in Adelaide.
“I am competing in three events including one synchronised event at the nationals,’ Nycora said.
“I am hoping to win at least one of these events with my best being the 5m platform event.
“I like this event as it’s higher and I can do handstands too.”
Nycora, coached by Michelle Olson, has been remarkably consistent for his age, always coming home with at least one medal at each competition he enters.
His recent highlights include snaring two titles at the Parramatta interclub Barnett Family Meet in February.
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/localsportsstars
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