The Senior School diving team had a very busy and successful season. The season commenced with the annual National Aquatics Festival held in Bloemfontein this year. Being a national event, the divers were exposed to the top competitors from around the country.

Over the season, St Stithians proved to be our toughest competitor, consistently beating us to first place, including at the St Mary’s Summer Splash. Our team managed to maintain their positivity and determination. Their perseverance showed in the quality of diving during training sessions and the consistently high scores earned in the weekly inter-schools’ competitions. Their continued successes grew the girls’ confidence in their ability as they prepared for the biggest competition of the year, inter-high.

The U15 competition began the day’s events. The St Mary’s U15 category was represented by Romy Len and Ashley Murning. Their exceptional diving earned them both a spot on the podium, third and second places respectively. Alexandra Kirstein and Kerry-Leigh Morrison then represented St Mary’s in the U16 age group. The girls’ diving was phenomenal and they both stood out throughout the competition as favourites for the podium. Alexandra Kirstein placed third and Kerry- Leigh Morrison placed first to secure another two podium positions for St Mary’s. The ultimate competition was that of the open age group. The competition in this age group is of a particularly high standard, as is the standard of judging. The St Mary’s open divers exceeded expectations with their poise and focus. I was very proud of Emma Davidson and Isabelle Boles for their eighth and fourth positions respectively.

Following such superb diving, the girls’ effort and perseverance was awarded with first place overall for the inter-high diving competition of 2018, beating St Stithians for the first time this season. Congratulations to the divers on an exceptional season of tough competition and hard training. Your dedication, work ethic and team spirit paid off.

Kate Shepherd

Head of Diving