Anabelle leaps into contention for diving selection

VICTORIAN Anabelle Smith has put herself into prime position for Commonwealth Games selection in the hotly contested women’s 3-metre after triumphing at the diving trials on the Gold Coast yesterday.

Smith, who is hoping to compete at a third Commonwealth Games next year, held off Glasgow gold medallist Esther Qin, world 1-metre champion Maddison Keeney, and Queensland teenager Georgia Sheehan to finish on top at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Smith, an Olympic bronze medallist with Keeney in the 3metre synchro at the 2016 Games, finished with 681.40 points on Sunday, ahead of her Rio teammate on 668.45, with Qin third on 619.15.

“I was really thrilled with my performance, I have been working so hard with my new coach and it all worked out for me today” Smith said.

“I was definitely nervous. We are so strong in women’s 3metre so you have to bring your best performance. I knew I could perform well but I still felt that competition buzz from nerves and adrenaline.”

The result means Smith is now head of the queue for nomination to Commonwealth Games Australia for the 2018 event in the 3-metre competition.

The 24-year- old also won the 3-metre synchro with Keeney in the weekend trials.

Smith won bronze in the platform synchro in Delhi in 2010, and bronze again in the 3-metre synchro in Glasgow. “The biggest bonus of a home Games is the ability for extended family to come and support and see us in action,” Smith said.

“They have been supporting me for 10 years doing diving, and for them to be able to see me live at a Commonwealth Games is so exciting for them,” she added before extolling the virtues of the new outdoor complex.

“The Gold Coast venue is challenging, depending on the weather, but I really enjoyed the pool this week under the sun and with minimal wind.

“The boards are nice and bouncy so I can’t complain.”

The Commonwealth games squad is due to be named today.