She has been
named one of the Telegraph’s ‘Ten to Watch for 2012’, but 16 year old, diving
protégé, Megan Sylvester still has to juggle her childhood with her dreams of
Olympic success.
Formerly a gymnast, Great British Diving
coach, Adam Sotheran discovered her talent in 2002 at the age of eight and
encouraged her to take part in diving. Eight years later and Megan is ranked 2nd
in Europe and 4th in the World for her age group.
“When representing my
country it is a great honour, as I have been to the Australian Youth Olympics
and the Singapore Youth Olympics. I have had the opportunity to meet some very
prestigious people, and it is quite an honour to meet those people who
understand what you’re doing and are fully supportive of that.”
Despite a daily routine
of 8:30am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and juggling with a full time college
course, Megan suggested that training and competitions, so far have not
significantly affected her education. “Over the next two years I’ve got a lot
more assignments and a few more exams to do. But the college has been lenient
and helpful with all the work and everything I’ve done.”
Megan is currently in
preparation for the National Championships in January and the World
Championships in June which will enable her and her synchronisation partner,
Monique Gladding, to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. Megan suggested that: “Having a synchronising
partner that is 26 years old, is really helpful as she has a lot of experience
and she passes this on to me.”
Great British Diving and
Megan’s personal coach, Steve Gladding believes that Megan has what it takes as
she is extremely talented.
However, he suggested
that “certain things come with being a 16 year old girl, and this is a very
challenging time in her life. Getting her through these next couple of years is
going to be key and we’ll see if she reaches her potential.”
Megan now believes that
her future dreams and aspirations are of an Olympic Gold Medal in her own
country in 2012.
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