There was a strong showing at the Inter-Corps Diving Championships as a field of 26 athletes battled for honours across the springboard and platform disciplines.
The Royal Engineers celebrated a successful outing in the men’s field as Spr Bikash Khand Thakuri – who became the first Gurkha to represent the army at Inter-Services level last season – claimed the individual honours in both competitions, an effort that helped the Sappers to the overall team prize.
Sgt Katy Morrey (RAPTC) excelled in the women’s contest – matching Thakuri in taking both individual titles – but it was the Royal Army Medical Service who lifted the team trophy.
The event maintained the upward trend seen in the sport over recent seasons and army diving coach Capt Amanda Prentice (RLC) was impressed by the talent on display.
“Everyone who competed did both the springboard and platform – that has never happened before,” the officer told SoldierSport.
“This is very much a basic level. It is to encourage divers to come along and get on the boards and push themselves out of their comfort zones. You could see they did that by the reaction to some of the dives. “It is also an opportunity for me, as coach, to look at the people I want to see more of. There have been a couple here today with potential.”
Three army team members were in action and Prentice said the competition was good preparation for them ahead of the Inter-Services.
“One has been away on tour and another on a course, so it was a chance for them to stretch their legs before our training camp in July,” she added. “We’ve seen a few people move on and some new divers are coming through. We are quite green in places, but the ability is there.”
