Diving Success on Both Sides of the Tasman

By: Jade Witana | Posted: Tuesday June 10, 2025

Congratulations to Lucy Thickpenny and Caitlin Lill, who were selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 Australian Age Group Diving Championships, held in the Gold Coast from April 13-22. Competing at an event with over 250 divers and up to 39 in their age group, they were among just five girls chosen nationwide in the 13 and Under category, a remarkable achievement!

Both athletes qualified for the 1m and 3m, 5m platform and synchro events. Highlights included:

  1. 1m Springboard: Lucy 6th (Top NZ Diver), Caitlin 12th

  2. 3m Springboard: Lucy 6th (Top NZ Diver), Caitlin 9th

  3. 5m Platform: Caitlin 4th ( Top NZ Diver), Lucy 8th

  4. Synchro: Caitlin and her partner placed 5th (Top NZ Team), Lucy and her partner placed 7th

Being selected to represent New Zealand and competing so strongly on the international stage was a monumental achievement for Lucy and Caitlin, and inspiring reward for their commitment to training up to six times a week and their deep passion for the sport.

Back home, the south island diving championships at moana pool this weekend saw more podium finishes. Caitlin and Lucy dominated the age group girls event, taking:

  1. 1m: Lucy 1st and Caitlin 2nd

  2. 3m: Caitlin 2nd and Lucy 3rd

  3. Junior Elite Platform: Lucy 1st and Caitlin 2nd

Isabel Crawford also shone, winning:

  1. 12 and Over Skills 1m and 3m: 1st place

  2. Skills Platform: 3rd place

This local event brought together divers from Auckland, invercargill and many from the local club Diving Otakou, making these results even more impressive. Well done to all these our talented divers!

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