Melissa Wu Qualifies for Fifth Olympic Games

Four time Olympian and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Melissa Wu has been crowned the Women’s 10-Metre Platform Australian Champion at the Australian Open Championships, including Nomination Trials, held in Adelaide. 

The result paves the way for Wu to now be nominated for Australian Paris 2024 Olympic Games Team selection, which would make her the first diver to represent Australia at five Olympics. 

The hotly contested event saw 32-year-old Wu, battle it out with fellow NSWIS athlete Ellie Cole, 17-years-old (NSW) and Emily Meaney, 27 years old (QLD) for the title. 

Following the event, Wu was still processing the enormity not just of tonight’s result, but what it will mean.  

“I’m feeling relieved that the competition is over, I really enjoyed competing here in this pool,” said Wu. 

“I had a lot of nerves heading into this event, I always get super nervous when I compete and have done so from a young age but I think all the work I’ve put in over the years with the mindset and experiences I’ve had, I’ve learnt to deal with that a little better now.

Melissa Wu

“It was really awesome to dive with the younger divers of the next generation and see them come through. I’m proud to have actually taught a few of them how to dive as their first coach so having the opportunity to dive alongside them is pretty cool.

“To know that Olympic selection is a real possibility is really incredible feeling and looking back now on my career, I can appreciate the gravity of what this competition means. 

“It hasn’t been something I’ve focussed on trying to become the first Australian diver to go to five Olympic Games as I am pretty process driven. But looking at everything I’ve overcome to compete at this competition is pretty amazing, I’m pretty proud of myself.” 

Melissa Wu

Diving Australia’s Performance Director Steve Foley said the achievement would have a positive impact for diving in Australia. 

“I think Melissa summed up her results best herself, she had a tough preparation with injuries but how resilient is this athlete to not just get the job done but really put on a show,” said Foley. 

“We have a plethora of young athletes competing in the platform events now and there’s no question that’s the positive impact Mel has had on diving in Australia. 

“The fact she can now be nominated to attend her fifth Olympic Games is just inspiring for everyone on our Diving Australia roster, I am in awe of her.” 

RESULTS

Melissa Wu diving 00:00:00 – 01:00:25 

Ellie Cole diving 01:00:25 – 01:00:49

Emily Meaney diving 01:00:49 – 01:00

Article and image courtesy of Diving Australia