Diver to represent NZ and LGBTQ+ in Tokyo
Anton Down-Jenkins will be the lone New Zealand diver at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 21-year-old has been selected after securing his Olympic quota spot at the qualification event in Japan earlier this month.
Down-Jenkins finished 10th in the 3m springboard – New Zealand’s best ever finish at a diving world cup.
“I just went into the competition wanting to have fun and I told myself if I qualify an Olympic spot that’s great but if it doesn’t happen no worries.
“My headspace and mindset is something I’ve really been working on lately and it really paid dividends at that competition.
“I’m super proud to represent New Zealand, we don’t have as much resource in diving as some of the big powerhouse nations and so that just makes me even more thrilled with this achievement. It’s so awesome to know that my hard work has paid off.”
It comes after a “scary episode” for Down-Jenkins late last year.
“I got Covid last August and it was pretty rough.
“It took me a while to get back to where I could perform but I’ve been great for the past four months and can’t wait to get back to Tokyo.”
Down-Jenkins is a member of the rainbow community and is passionate about being a sporting role model for LGBTQ+ people.
“We don’t see too much LGBTQ+ representation in sport, so I want to be part of that representation for my community and in turn help break down the idea that someone’s sexual orientation or identity is a barrier for success in the sporting realm.”
Down-Jenkins will become the first New Zealand male to compete in diving at the Olympic Games since Mark Graham and Gary Lamb in 1984.
Rio Olympian Elizabeth Cui also qualified a diving spot for New Zealand but will not be competing in Tokyo as she has just anounced she is pregnant with her first child.
“Although I won’t be able to compete at Tokyo I’m so thrilled to be starting a wee family and brewing a future NZ Olympian,” Cui said.
“I’d like to congratulate Anton and I can’t wait to watch him represent New Zealand diving in Tokyo!”
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