FINA WJDC 2016: Nikita Shleikher earns silver in 1m springboard

Day 5 of the FINA World Junior Diving Championships kicked off with the 1m springboard event (Group A Boys). Despite a shy start, Nikita Shleikher of Russia managed to win silver with 543.65. It’s his second medal at the tournament – earlier he claimed gold in the 3m springboard.

China’s Chen Linhai topped the podium with 564.65 points. Matthew Carter of Australia grabbed bronze with 538.45.

“I’ve prepared a new programme for the Kazan tournament; I’ve been working on it for several weeks. I’m really happy that everything turned out well,” Chen Linhai said after the final. “I realised that it was my day when I was at hotel. I cannot say that I’m fully satisfied with my result; there’s still something to strive for because the level of the tournament keeps me on the toes – there are always new challenges ahead.

Bronze medallist Matthew Carter couldn’t conceal his excitement as it was the second time he climbed the podium at the tournament in Kazan. “I will take home two bronze medals – it’s a great success to be among the best top finishers at a world championship. If somebody offered me to trade my medals for one gold, I wouldn’t have agreed because each separate medal is a result of hard work,” the Australian diver said. “Each time when you end up on the podium, what you feel is indescribable; nothing can substitute it.”

He also added that It’s much more challenging to dive from a 1m springboard than from a 3m springboard or a platform as there are little time and space for difficult dives. “You need to be stronger, sturdier and more skilful to succeed in the 1m springboard. Today I did really well;  I’m pleased with my result and I managed to make it into the top three finishers,” the diver concluded.