One twist at a time

Former Warkworth Primary School student and junior Diving New Zealand National Team member Olivia Fox has been selected to compete at the World Junior Diving Championships in Croatia for the first time.

After missing the 2024 edition due to a series of injuries, she will now compete in the Girls A Platform (16–18 years) event.

For Olivia, representing New Zealand on the international stage is a great honour and a source of pride as an athlete.

“I have represented New Zealand a few times in places like Singapore, Canada and Germany, but this is the highest-level junior competition in the world,” she said.

Olivia started her sporting journey through gymnastics, but after watching diving at the Commonwealth Games, she decided to take part in free talent trials organised by Auckland Diving. At just 10 years old, she was selected and after combining diving with gymnastics and trampoline/tumbling for a while, she eventually decided to focus fully on diving.

Now studying engineering at the University of Canterbury, Olivia has a busy schedule as she balances her studies, training and competitions.

“I normally train seven sessions in the pool, along with two strength and conditioning sessions,” she said. “Diving is pretty much self-funded, which means that along with training costs, for most competitions we pay for everything – accommodation, travel, entry fees and the coach’s expenses.”

Despite the challenges of balancing her studies with sport, Olivia is determined to continue progressing in diving and hopes to fulfil her dream of one day representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games.

“Any form of support would be amazing and I am so grateful for the opportunities and backing I receive. Right now, my mum helps by running our main fundraiser selling Nothing Naughty protein bars, and I’d like to thank her for her work, along with all the purchasers for their generosity.”

Those wishing to support Olivia’s journey can contact her mother, Maegan, at thewwfoxes@hotmail.com.