Diving
Diving was developed as a competition sport after gymnasts in Germany and Sweden began performing tumbling routines into the water from the 18th Century.
Dives are judged based on the approach, take-off, elevation, execution and entry into the water based on points up to 10. The points are then adjusted according to the degree to difficulty, based on the number and types of manoeuvres attempted, such as somersaults, pikes, tucks and twists. A reverse 1.5 somersault with 3.5 twists, for example, is among the most difficult.
Diving was included in the Olympic Games for the first time at the 1904 Games in St Louis, though it differed from the diving events which existed today notably with respect to the height of the platform and springboards. Diving was initially dominated by the Americans, and only started to waiver with the participation of China at the end of the 1980s. When Greg Louganis, arguably the greatest diver ever, was in competition the Chinese still managed to achieve some victories. However since the retirement of Louganis, China has not only dominated the men’s, but also the women’s events.
Our history
The Singapore Divers are back on track for return to the SEA Games after a 10 year absence. 6 divers represented Singapore at the 27th Sea Games 2013 in Myanmar, and won 2 Silvers and 2 Bronzes. This is our first Diving medals since 1985 and the largest medal haul in 40 years (since 1973).
With hard work and self belief, Singapore Diving targets to win Gold in future SEA Games, and raise the standards of our divers to compete in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
