Australian diving legend Melissa Wu is on the cusp of creating Olympic history after winning the 10 metre platform title at the Australian Championships in Adelaide on Saturday.
The victory means Wu is all but certain to be nominated for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which will make her the first diver to ever represent Australia at five Olympics.
“I had a lot of nerves heading into this event,” Wu said.
“I always get super nervous when I compete and have done so from a young age, but I think all the work I’ve put in over the years with the mindset and experiences I’ve had, I’ve learnt to deal with that a little better now.
“To know that Olympic selection is a real possibility is really incredible feeling, and looking back now on my career, I can appreciate the gravity of what this competition means.
“It hasn’t been something I’ve focused on, trying to become the first Australian diver to go to five Olympic Games, as I am pretty process driven.
“But looking at everything I’ve overcome to compete at this competition is pretty amazing, I’m pretty proud of myself.”
Wu is a two-time Olympic medallist having won silver in the 10m synchro competition on debut in Beijing as a 16-year-old, and a bronze in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
She has, though, endured a torrid year of injuries, including a recurring back injury she first suffered during filming for the reality TV show SAS Australia.
Diving Australia performance director Steve Foley said he was in awe of what Wu had achieved.
“She had a tough preparation with injuries, but how resilient is this athlete to not just get the job done but really put on a show?” Foley said.
“We have a plethora of young athletes competing in the platform events now, and there’s no question that’s the positive impact Mel has had on diving in Australia.
“The fact she can now be nominated to attend her fifth Olympic Games is just inspiring for everyone on our Diving Australia roster. I am in awe of her.”
Wu, 32, had to fight off some of those young athletes, beating 17-year-old Ellie Cole and 27-year-old Emily Meaney to claim the title.
“It was really awesome to dive with the younger divers of the next generation and see them come through,” Wu said.
“I’m proud to have actually taught a few of them how to dive as their first coach, so having the opportunity to dive alongside them is pretty cool.”
Diving Australia is set to name the squad at the conclusion of the Championships, with divers looking to join 3m springboard pairing Anabelle Smith and Maddison Keeney on the plane to Paris.
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