Search

show me:

Diver Bedggood's fresh outlook to Games

3 minute read

Australia has named a 14-strong diving team to contest the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July-August.

Domonic Bedggood will take a fresh outlook into the Birmingham Commonwealth Games after securing selection on Australia's 14-strong diving team.

Bedggood, a dual Commonwealth gold medallist, only returned to diving four months after taking break from the sport to focus on his mental health.

The 27-year-old made his Commonwealth Games debut in 2014, winning gold in the 10-metre platform synchronised event when partnering Matthew Mitcham.

In 2018 on the Gold Coast, Bedggood won individual 10m platform gold before his spell from the sport.

Bedggood won't defend that title at the Birmingham Games in July-August, competing in the 10m platform synchronised, the mixed 3m synchronised and 1m individual events.

"Coming back to diving after such a long break, I didn't have too many expectations," Bedggood said on Tuesday when Australia's diving team was announced.

"So it's very special for me and for everyone who has been a part of the journey.

"Having the time off to reflect has made me appreciate my career and the opportunities I have been given.

"Going into these Games I want to be able to enjoy it. Sport isn't forever and it's about making the most of these moments."

Australia's diving team for Birmingham is bookended by Chinese-born 34-year-old Shixin Li and 14-year-old Charli Petrov, who will both make their Commonwealth Games debut.

Melissa Wu will make her fifth appearance at a Commonwealth Games - the first Australian diver to achieve that milestone - when she competes in the women's 10m synchronised and the mixed 10m synchronised events.

Wu will team with Petrov in the women's synchro competition, with the teen inspired by her partner.

"I remember growing up and watching Mel compete at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics, that is how I got into the sport," Petrov said.

"I still pinch myself when we're up there on the tower and I look beside me and see her standing there."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au