- Melissa Wu is on her way to a fifth Olympic Games
- Wu made his debut at age 16 in Beijing in 2008.
- Won a 10 meter platform at the national championship
Melissa Wu is about to become the first Australian diver to compete in five Olympic Games after overcoming nerves to claim another national title.
The 32-year-old triumphed in the women’s 10m platform at the national championships in Adelaide.
Wu’s victory on Saturday night ensures she will be nominated for the Australian Olympic Committee, which will ratify all diving teams for the Paris Olympics in a few weeks.
Wu’s selection will extend her streak of diving at every Olympic Games since she debuted at age 16 in Beijing in 2008.
Melissa Wu heading to her fifth Olympics despite recent injury concerns
The Australian veteran made her debut at age 16 in Beijing in 2008.
“Knowing that Olympic selection is a real possibility is a really incredible feeling,” Wu said.
‘And looking back on my career now, 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’m quite driven by the process.
“But seeing everything I’ve overcome to compete in this competition is pretty amazing, I’m really proud of myself.”
Wu said his battles with a series of recent injuries increased his anxiety entering the platform finals in Adelaide on Saturday night.
“I feel relieved that the competition is over,” she said.
“I had a lot of nerves going into this event; I always get very nervous when I compete, and I have done so since I was very young.”
“But I think with all the work I’ve done over the years with the mindset and the experiences I’ve had, I’ve learned to deal with it a little better now.”
Wu will be the first Australian diver to compete in five Olympic Games
Diving Australia performance director Steve Foley said he was in awe of Wu, who won a silver medal in the synchronized 10m platform at the 2008 Olympics and a bronze in the individual 10m platform at the Tokyo Games. of 2021.
“She had a tough preparation with injuries, but what a resilient athlete she is,” Foley said.
“The fact that she can now be nominated to attend her fifth Olympic Games is simply inspiring for everyone on our Australian diving team – I am in awe of her.”
Equestrian stalwart Andrew Hoy holds the Australian record for most participation in the Olympic Games: he has participated in eight Games and is in the selection draw for a ninth in Paris.