crossover

Question
we have discovered that our daughter Molly (16 - will be a HS junior) has diving skills.  Apparently she developed this in gymnastics/competitive cheer.
She would like to pursue this, but we do not know of any instructors here in wichita ks except Heskett Center at Wichita State U.
It may not be too late for her to pursue this based on comments from divers who have watched her.
Any ideas or thoughts ?

Answer
David -

It is absolutely not too late for your daughter to pursue this sport.To start gymnastics at 16 is probably too late but for diving it is a good age. 12 or 13 is better but there have been plenty of girls that start at this age and gone on to do well. You can take diving farther into your life than gymnastics which peaks at about your daughters current age. There have been USA Olympic Team members that have won medals in their late 20's and early 30's.

Most of this sport is comprised of females age 11 to about 24 (65%) and most all of them are ex-gymnasts so she will fit right in. The biggest difference she will have to figure out is how to go head first which is something you never want to do in gym. There is also a slight difference in how to twist. Knowing how to use a trampoline is big in diving as well as using a diving board that is not over water (dry board).She also needs to maintain the same level of flexibility and abdominal strength as well as explosive leg strength.

There is a program in your city called Nolan Diving, run by Jarod Nolan. I do not know if this is the same person at the college pool as do not know your town very well. He can be reached at 316-519-1751 or go to www.nolandiving.com for more info on his program. They use a facility called Boston Pool.

Good luck. I am sure she will do fine at this program. The next closest ones are found in Lawrence and K.C. which of course is way too far away to travel.