Starting to learn diving at 16

Question
Hi, Mr. Trapp.
As we all know that most of the divers start diving since their early age. I had find out that the nearest diving course available only accept students not older than 8 years old. I am totally new to the sport. If i start learning now will i be able to compete in competition like Olympics in the future? I am currently 16 years old. Is it too old to start diving at this age? I live somewhere near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Is there any other places for me to learn diving at this age? What will you recommend for me to do next? Thank you.
-Steven-

Answer
Steven -

I am not that familiar with diving in your country. I know that there are some very good divers near the city you mention and that there is a good diving pool.You are not too old to start diving by standards in the USA but since you live in a different country, there will be different requirements. Asian countries do not have high school and college diving like in the USA so that is why they probably only take divers age 8 and younger.Your country develops divers differently than we do.In the US, you could find many coaches that would let you on their team.

You should go this website so you can contact people who can give you a better answer than I can:

www.fina.org
Click on 'Structure'
On that page, click on 'National Federations' found down on the left hand side of the page.
On the next page, click on 'Asia'
Now look for 'MAS'. Click on your countries name and it will provide you with the names of people in Kuala Lumpur you can contact to find out if there is a program for kids your age.

Good luck in your search.