Coach Sobrino thrilled by gold medal efforts in USA

Chava Sobrino, the Head Coach of the New South Wales Institiute of Sport’s Diving program, and who is overseeing the Australian team’s tour of North America, expressed his pride in seeing rookies Ellie Cole and Ruby Drogemuller stand on top of the podium at the prestigious American Cup competition.

The dynamic duo – making their debuts in the national senior team at the tender age of (Drogemuller) 16 and (Cole) 17 – helped power Australia to an (overall) fourth placing in a competition which featured teams from the USA, Canada, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Japan, Korea. Mexico, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan.

Cole won the women’s 10m platform event at the Indiana University Natatorium before teaming up with Drogemuller to take out the women’s 10m synchronised event.

In a written report to NSWIS, Sobrino described the performances as a “significant milestone” in their young careers.

“It was a thrilling weekend at the American Cup in Indianapolis as newcomers Ruby, 16, and Ellie, 17, made a spectacular debut in their first senior competition,” wrote Sobrino. “The young duo clinched gold in the synchronized platform event, marking a significant milestone in their burgeoning careers.

“The excitement didn’t stop there. On the following day, Ellie soared to new heights by securing another gold medal in the individual event, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.”

Sobrino also praised NSWIS athlete Sam Fricker who won gold in the mixed team’s event and finished with a fourth placing in the men’s 10m individual.

“While Sam narrowly missed a spot on the podium, he showed incredible determination throughout the event,” Sobrino wrote.

“The climax of the event was the closely contested team competition. Diving Australia assembled a stellar line-up, drawing talent from Queensland, Victoria, and Sam representing New South Wales, to take home the gold in a nail-biting finish.

“It was truly a weekend to remember, filled with impressive performances and remarkable achievements by these young athletes.”

Daniel Lane, NSWIS