BUENOS AIRES 2018: Australia’s Youth Olympic divers had to deal with injury while competing at Buenos Aires 2018, but it is not deterring them from looking to the future.
Eighteen-year-old Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Matthew Carter finished in fourth place in the men’s 3m springboard, all while competing through injury.
“I’ve recently had a twisted ankle that I’ve been recovering from, so that’s been pretty annoying,” the South Australian said.
“I’m very happy with how I went, it’s the Youth Olympic Games, so obviously I’m so proud that I even made it this far. Coming in at fourth is just amazing and I’m so stoked,” he said.
Despite his injury, Carter was able to finish his preliminary rounds in third place, just missing the medals in the finals.
“Everyone here is at the top of their game, they’re some of the best U18 athletes, so it’s amazing to get the experience and compete alongside them,” he continued.
Carter’s diving teammate, 17-year-old Alysha Koloi also start her campaign off in incredible form, putting herself into second place after her first two dives. Unfortunately, on her third dive, the former elite gymnast clipped her heel on the board, injuring her foot and was unable to continue competing.
Carter says the setbacks faced in diving and sport in general, act as more of a motivation than a deterrent.
“This whole year has been quite long and challenging, but it’s been amazing. I’m so grateful for all the experiences, getting to travel the world and compete at such a high level. Not everyone gets to do that and I don’t take it for granted,” he said.
“Coming to the Youth Olympics had always been a dream of mine and I can’t even describe the feeling of being here. I’m going to have a little break when I get back but will jump back into diving soon after.
“The whole Youth Olympic experience has definitely made me more motivated to keep at it and I'll continue pushing myself right up until I drop dead,” the determined teenager said.
