Stratford-based diver aims high in Russia

Tom Daley is adamant Britain’s divers are in for their most successful World Championships when this year’s editions kicks off in Kazan later this month – and the 21-year-old is not about to let the party pass him by.

There has been plenty for Great Britain to shout about already in 2015 after securing 20 medals in the Diving World Series to not only finish second in the table behind heavyweights China, but also to record their best ever haul.

Daley, now based in Stratford, more than played his part as he won the 10m platform title in front of a raucous home crowd in London, as well as adding one silver and a further four bronze medals.

All this points to a successful trip to Kazan next month as Daley and co gear up for the World Championships, the diving getting underway on July 24.

And with crucial qualification spots for the 2016 Rio Olympics up for grabs in Russia, 21-year-old Daley is determined to get in on the act.

“I think British diving is in the best place it has ever been in and you can see that from the fact we had our most successful World Series ever and everyone is looking really strong,” said Daley, who trains at the London Aquatic Centre. “It is exciting going into a competition now where other countries are looking at us for a change.

“There is always pressure going into any competition but we have competed with these people over six World Series legs already and know what they can do and now they now what we can do. The challenge now is to make sure our preparation is right and that we are ready to compete over two days as opposed to just one.

“These World Championships are really important because we want to qualify as many spots for Rio a year early so we can take the pressure off next year ahead of the World Cup. A lot of the guys on the team will have realistic hopes and aims of doing that nice and early and I am one of them.”

Despite focusing on earning Team GB a spot in Rio next year, that isn’t stopping Daley from setting his sights on silverware in Russia too.

He burst on to the scene at the 2009 global gathering with gold and after failing to climb the podium in the next two editions, Daley is keen to get back on top.

“The gold medal is always the main aim for me, no matter what competition,” he added. “This time of year and with the Olympics next year a medal would be amazing.

“So that is the main aim and always will be, it would be great to get back on the World Championship podium, especially heading into next year’s Games.”

Tom Daley is one of 1,300 athletes on UK Sport’s National Lottery supported World Class Programme. Find out more www.uksport.gov.uk