Ireland will have a representative in diving at the Olympics for the first time in nearly seven decades.
The 23-year-old put in an impressive performance in the men’s 3m Springboard event to finish in 11th place with the top 18 securing places for their country at the Games and a semi-final spot. Dingley sat comfortably within the qualification places for the duration of the event ranking as high as 5th at one stage.
He's done it! @OliverDingley has qualified a place for Ireland at the Olympic Games for the first time in 68 years!! @olympiccouncil
— Swim Ireland (@swimireland) February 21, 2016
According to The42.ie, Dingley switched allegiances from England after winning a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, but qualifies to represent Ireland through his grandmother. He now lives and trains in Dublin.
A delighted Dingley commented “I'm exhausted, it was probably the most stressful four hours of my life, but absolutely amazing. The team effort, me, my coach, everyone back home, physio, strength and conditioning, psychology, just to get me to Rio has been absolutely amazing and to qualify a spot for Ireland is fantastic. I can’t believe it.
"It was a one dive at a time process; the first dive went well, second went well, I got to the last two and I knew that if I got these I’d secure a spot for the Olympic Games".
Ireland’s Natasha McManus competes on Monday in the 3m springboard dive, and could also qualify for the Olympics with a strong showing.
Via The42
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