HE doesn’t have a diving board to practice, however, Taree’s Richard Clement has qualified for the Australian championships to be held in Adelaide next month.
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The 51-year-old is just back from the State championships where he won three gold medals in the one metre, three metre and highboard (platform) events in the 50-59 years division. However, he had earlier booked a berth for the nationals at the NSW Country championship held in Newcastle. Here he also won the one and three metres event in the masters. While happy with this effort, Clements rated his performance in the invitation highboard, where he was pipped for first place by just two points, as the highlight.
“This was an open event, attracting elite divers in their 20s and 30s from all over NSW,’’ Clement explained.
“And here was me, a 51 year old man nearly beating them all.’’
The nationals will be held from April 8 to 13. Clement will compete on two days.
“But I’d like to get there two days beforehand to get a bit of practice in,’’ he said.
Clement moved to Taree nine years ago and began coaching and diving at Wauchope – where there was a diving board – about five years ago.
“But they didn’t put the board up last season, so I haven’t been able to practice since,’’ he said.
Naturally enough this presented a few problems with his preparation.
“I go to the gym regularly to work on my fitness, but it would be good to practice a dive to try and get it right,’’ he said.
Clement also has a limited budget.
“I’m currently a single dad and at the tail end of a later-life teaching degree, and my finances don’t stretch to this kind of trip,’’ he explained.
“I want to show others that age is no barrier. I’m in my 50s and I’m competing on an even keel with guys half my age who have had training, facilities and coaching that I never could have dreamed of.’’
Clement figures it would cost $1700 to make the trip. That includes airfares and accommodation.
“I don’t expect to be given the entire amount, but some assistance would be good,’’ he said.
Clement can be contacted on 040 3375 259.