Great Britain’s Tonia Couch believes her recent success at the diving World Series could propel her to a medal finish at the world championships and next year’s Olympics.
Couch, 26, won bronze in the 10m platform at the most recent World Series event in Mexico, a result which secured the overall title after six consistent performances worldwide gave her a six-point margin of victory over the Canadian Roseline Filion.
The Plymouth diver, whose win earned her $30,000 (£19,554), must finish in the top 12 in her individual competition at the World Aquatics Championships in Russia later this summer to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and said confidence was high after her recent success.
“My six attempts in the World Series all turned out really well,” said Couch. “They were all worthwhile. It’s good but it’s not over yet, we have one competition to go at the world championships in six weeks’ time.
“Everybody wants a medal and that’s the aim. It’s a tough competition but you never say never. It will be my third Olympics next year and hopefully my experience will help. We’ll aim for a medal.”
Couch and Sarah Barrow also picked up three medals in the synchronised competition throughout the World Series, including a silver in Canada. The pair must finish in the top three at the world championships to qualify for Rio.
Couch said: “Getting a medal puts your name out there and the judges notice you. It makes me feel good. My experience helps now. I’ve been doing this for years so that helps against the younger ones.
“I’ve had my highs and lows throughout my career. I won my first competition after just six weeks of diving, which was great at such a young age. But when I turned 15 I had my first World Championships and finished second to last. You just have to carry on working hard and it comes good at the other end.”
Tom Daley, the London 2012 bronze medallist, also won a bronze at the World Series event in Mexico, where he demonstrated his new “firework” dive, a front three-and-a-half-somersault with one twist.
“He’s doing well, he got another bronze medal so I think he’s pretty chuffed,” said Couch. “The firework, everyone’s loving it. He did it in competition and it was incredible so I think he’s got the hang of it now.”
