In 2018, at just 10 years old, emerging New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) diver Ruby Drogemuller left her family and home in Moree in northern New South Wales to chase a dream.  

As a promising gymnast, Drogemuller had ambitions of competing at the Olympics – but in Moree, high performance pathways are limited. However, when an opportunity in diving arose, she took a leap of faith, moving to a boarding school in Sydney to not only pursue her Olympic dream but – unwittingly – team up with an Australian sporting icon. 

“I always had a dream to go to the Olympics,” the now 17-year-old said. 

“I did gymnastics before, except it’s very competitive, and where I lived, I didn’t have opportunities. I knew Mel Wu [five-time Olympic diver and recently retired NSWIS athlete], and she was a great inspiration.” 

Drogemuller had a full-circle moment that most athletes dream of – not only meeting her idol, Wu, but being coached by her in the beginner’s squad. That experience shaped her diving journey. 

“I met her before I started diving, I came and did a trial, and it just kind of went from there. She was my first-ever coach, and I worked a lot with her.” 

It was Wu’s discipline and dedication that inspired Drogemuller to pursue the 10m platform. 

“Mel’s very driven and hardworking. I’ve always replicated that from a young age,” she said.  

Hitting the Newell Highway and travelling the 628 kilometres from Moree to the Harbour City as a 10-year-old also meant Drogemuller needed to adapt to a completely new life in Sydney.  

“It was a big move, definitely at a young age,” she said. 

Despite the change, Drogemuller said the excitement outweighed nerves. 

“I was actually really excited to go away. I would have never gone to boarding school if not for this opportunity, and I’m really glad I did. It’s been a very cool experience.” 

Since transitioning to diving, Drogemuller has made waves on the international stage. Partnering with NSWIS Olympian Ellie Cole, she secured gold at both the 2024 American Cup in Indianapolis and at the Canada Cup in Calgary – her first major international competitions and victories. 

“It was big step up,” she recalled. “It was nerve-wracking, very different to a junior comp. But I loved doing it, it was a great start.” 

“Diving next to [Cole] has really helped boost my confidence doing individual events.” 

Despite being paired up late in 2023, Drogemuller and Cole clicked instantly. 

“We’re like best friends, we do everything together,” she laughed. “It did not take long at all [to get into synch], we feed off each other and make each other better.” 

Competing on the 10m platform requires extreme mental and physical resilience – but for Drogemuller, one of her biggest challenges was handling the challenges that come with independence at such a young age. 

“Boarding school and not having my family around was a big challenge,” she admitted. “Before I had my licence, it was just [juggling] school and diving – everything was a lot.” 

“But I feel like I’ve overcome that. The community back home have been really supportive about the move – my family, even my old gymnastics club!” 

When it comes to handling the pressure of competition, she relies on visualisation and routine. 

“I always put pressure on myself because I want to do my best,” she said. “But I just focus on myself and try to treat it like training.” 

Since joining NSWIS, Drogemuller has been surrounded by top-tier coaching, sports science, and performance support. 

“NSWIS has done a lot for me throughout my journey,” she said. “They’ve supported me since I was young – the physios, strength and conditioning, coaches.” 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and the opportunities they have provided.” 

She credits NSWIS Diving Head Coach Chava Sobrino for helping her to balance the demands of school and diving. 

“Chava’s coaching has been amazing, he’s really helped me through the last year of school and being the best I can be.” 

Now, Drogemuller will be competing in the World Cups in Mexico and Canada with Cole.  

“I want to come away with a good result, like a top 10,” Drogemuller said. 

As someone who committed herself to pursuing her goals at 10, Drogemuller has sound advice for young athletes chasing their dreams 

“Set goals, keep working towards them, and ask anyone for help,” she says. “Everyone is here to help you to be where you want to be.” 

Story and Portrait: Rachel Tingey, NSWIS

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