Carter embraces Comm Games outdoor diving

Outdoor diving will add an element of unknown to next April's Commonwealth Games, but not ruffle Matthew Carter's feathers if he's selected.

Gold Coast's outdoor Commonwealth Games diving venue will add an element of unknown to the contest but play into Australia's hands, according to emerging teenager Matthew Carter.

The 17-year-old is pressing his case for selection at this week's trials on the Gold Coast, having added a second place in Friday's 3m event to Thursday's dominant 1m victory.

Conditions have been ideal for diving during the trials, but the weather threat remains very real at a venue which world champion and Olympic bronze medal winner Maddison Keeney has likened to a wind tunnel.

Competitors struggled in the wind and rain at November's Grand Prix meet at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, with Keeney's Olympic medal-winning synchronised partner Anabelle Smith slipping and falling.

But Carter, who made his world championship debut earlier this year in Hungary, wasn't being deterred.

"Outside events are always different; a lot more challenging than inside, with the rain and wind," he said.

"But I see it as an advantage for us. We've done a lot of diving here and know what the weather can do around here and what I'll have to do to stay focused.

"If they (rival countries) don't train outside much, they're going to struggle."

Carter (863.55) was pipped in Friday's final by Victorian James Connor (868.70) in the 3m final, with Kurtis Mathews (694.40) a distant third.

Confident after earning selection in Australia's 10-person world championship squad, the South Australian is on the cusp of establishing himself as the fresh face of Australian diving.

"Every diver has their day, but I reckon I can (win Commonwealth Games gold)," he said.

"I'm enjoying it, I've had a chance to train on the Gold Coast quite a lot and it's amazing, especially this pool.

"If I get selected, having a home crowd with mum and dad and everyone there, I'm looking forward to that."

In Friday's other final, Brittany O'Brien (602.35) followed up Thursday's 10m synchronised win to claim the 10m final from Teju Williamson (575.50) and Taneka Kovchenko (545.75).

Diving continues until Sunday, with the 14-strong squad named on Monday.

National team regulars Domonic Bedggood and Melissa Wu are relying on special consideration for selection after missing the trials through injury.


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world