A BORDER diver will plunge into the deep end of competition after qualifying for the Pacific School Games.
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Murray High’s Emily Pettingill will be one of 4000 students to represent their state in nine sports in Adelaide in November.
Albury Diving Club president and coach John Percy said the fearless Pettingill had “real guts” that ensured she had a bright future.
“I think she’s showing great potential,” he said.
“As an ex-gymnast, she’s able to use her body well.
“Diving is a sport where you have to get a bit out of your comfort zone and Emily’s willing to do that — she’s a great kid to coach because she just has a go.”
The proof of Percy’s assessment is Pettingill is bringing home the results.
She finished third overall at last week’s NSW All Schools Championships after earlier winning at the public schools titles.
“The two kids who beat her, they’re probably diving 12 months of the year — Emily dives for six months of the year,” Percy said.
“If she lived where she had more pool time she’d be up there with any of them.”
Pettingill is also the club diving NSW 14-15 age champion, and it seems little can stop her rise.
“She’s only been diving with us for two seasons but she has a background in gymnastics which has helped,” Percy said.
“This girl just has so much potential – she excels in the three-metre, does one-metre and now she’s into platform, but unfortunately we don’t have one here.”
Percy said Pettingill was emulating the Border’s Marlee Barber and Jake Howie, who both made a splash in the sport.