David Jenkins: A Legacy in British Diving David Jenkins was not just a coach; he was a beacon of inspiration and dedication within the British diving community. His contributions to the sport were monumental, guiding Team GB to notable successes, including two Olympic medals. His untimely death left a void that is still felt deeply within the diving world. This article delves into the life, career, and lasting impact of David Jenkins, exploring his achievements, the circumstances of his passing, and the tributes paid by those who knew him best. David Jenkins and His Contributions to British Diving Early Career and Development David Jenkins began his career in diving as both an athlete and a coach. His background as a former gymnast and diver gave him a unique perspective that greatly benefited his coaching techniques. Jenkins became the Development Lead Coach for Dive London, England’s premier diving program headquartered at the London Aquatics Centre, in 2013. Over the next eight years, he would play a crucial role in shaping the careers of many young divers. Coaching Achievements Jenkins’ coaching prowess was evident in the successes of his protégés. He worked closely with divers such as Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen, both of whom represented Team GB at the Olympics. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Noah Williams finished 27th in the 10m platform event, and Scarlett Mew-Jensen placed 22nd in the 3m springboard. Team GB’s divers achieved a joint-record medal haul during these Games, a testament to Jenkins’ effective coaching. Dive London and the Tom Daley Diving Academy As the Development Lead Coach at Dive London, Jenkins was instrumental in the program’s success. Dive London is renowned for producing top-tier divers, and Jenkins’ contributions cannot be overstated. Additionally, he played a significant role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, where he delivered Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the UK. His dedication to nurturing young talent was one of his many commendable qualities. The Tragic Passing of David Jenkins Circumstances of His Death On October 9, 2021, the diving community was struck by the tragic news of David Jenkins’ sudden death. He was found dead in a swimming pool in Antalya, Turkey, where he had been training the Team GB diving squad. Jenkins was 31 years old at the time of his passing. An inquest held in December 2022 revealed that Jenkins died of sudden adult death syndrome (SADS), a condition also known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. Understanding SADS Sudden adult death syndrome occurs when no definitive cause of death can be determined, even after a thorough cardiac examination by an expert. It is often a genetic heart condition that can be passed from parent to child, with each child of an affected parent having a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. SADS is a particularly devastating diagnosis because it offers no warning signs or symptoms, making it incredibly difficult to predict or prevent. Tributes and Legacy Emotional Tributes from the Diving Community The news of Jenkins’ death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from the diving community. British Swimming highlighted his passion for coaching and his friendly personality, which made him immensely popular among his peers. Jane Nickerson, Swim England’s chief executive, expressed deep sorrow at his passing, noting his significant contributions to the sport and the development of divers who competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and the Olympics. Noah Williams’ Tribute at Paris 2024 When Tom Daley and Noah Williams won their silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Williams paid an emotional tribute to Jenkins. During a BBC interview, Williams, then 24 years old, struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about his former coach. He revealed that he had considered quitting the sport after Jenkins’ sudden death but ultimately found the strength to continue, driven by the desire to honor his mentor’s legacy. Impact on Team GB and Future Generations Influence on Tom Daley and Other Divers Tom Daley, one of Britain’s most celebrated divers, also shared heartfelt words about Jenkins. Daley emphasized the significant role Jenkins played in Noah Williams’ diving success and career. He expressed his sadness that Jenkins was not there to witness their silver medal performance but affirmed that Jenkins would have been incredibly proud of their achievement. Daley’s words highlighted the profound impact Jenkins had on his students, both personally and professionally. Continuing Jenkins’ Legacy The legacy of David Jenkins lives on through the divers he coached and the programs he helped develop. Dive London and the Tom Daley Diving Academy continue to thrive, producing new generations of talented divers. Jenkins’ approach to coaching, characterized by his friendly demeanor and deep understanding of the sport, set a standard that future coaches aspire to meet. His dedication to nurturing young talent ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come. FAQs What was David Jenkins’ role at Dive London? David Jenkins served as the Development Lead Coach for Dive London, where he worked for eight years. His role involved coaching and developing young divers, many of whom went on to represent Team GB at international competitions. What is sudden adult death syndrome (SADS)? Sudden adult death syndrome (SADS), also known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, is a condition where no definitive cause of death can be found, even after a thorough examination by a cardiac expert. It is often a genetic heart condition that can be passed down from parent to child. How did David Jenkins contribute to the Tom Daley Diving Academy? David Jenkins played an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, where he delivered Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the UK. His work at the academy was a testament to his dedication to nurturing young talent in the sport. What were some of the achievements of David Jenkins’ students? David Jenkins coached several successful divers, including Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen, who represented Team GB at the Olympics. At Tokyo 2020, Noah finished 27th

Unveiling the Excitement: A First-Time Delegate’s Experience at the National Convention For many, attending a national convention is a monumental experience, filled with surprises, captivating speeches, and a plethora of memorable moments. This year, one delegate from Calumet County shared their unique journey, shedding light on the highs and lows of the event, as well as their personal reflections on the significance of the convention. The Unexpected Arrival of Donald Trump One of the most astonishing moments for many attendees was the unexpected appearance of former President Donald Trump on the very first day of the convention. This surprise visit set an exhilarating tone for the event and left many delegates, including our Calumet County representative, in awe. “I was genuinely taken aback when Donald Trump showed up on day one,” the delegate recalled. “It was an incredible surprise and definitely a highlight for me.” Immersed in the Convention Atmosphere Being a first-time attendee, our delegate found immense joy in simply being part of the convention’s vibrant atmosphere. The experience of being on the floor, surrounded by passionate individuals and listening to impactful speeches, was nothing short of extraordinary. “This is my first time here, and it’s overwhelming in the best way possible. I am also proud to be the first representative from Calumet County to attend a national convention. It’s a significant milestone,” they shared. Memorable Speeches: Nikki Haley’s Impact Among the many speeches delivered at the convention, Nikki Haley’s address stood out as particularly surprising and impactful. There was uncertainty about her attendance, which made her eventual appearance all the more significant. “We weren’t sure if Nikki Haley was going to attend, so her speech came as a pleasant surprise. It was a crucial step towards party unification, which is something we all deeply value. We all share the same goal of striving for a better America,” the delegate noted. Exploring Milwaukee: A Limited Yet Enjoyable Experience Despite the bustling schedule of the convention, our delegate found moments to appreciate the city of Milwaukee. Although time constraints limited extensive exploration, they expressed their fondness for the local cuisine and the city’s charm. “Honestly, I haven’t had much time to explore Milwaukee extensively. My days have been packed with events and meals. However, being from Wisconsin, I have a deep love for Milwaukee. The food, especially at Mo’s Irish Pub, is fantastic. I’m quite the foodie,” they said with a smile. Meeting Influential Figures: A Dream Encounter The convention provided numerous opportunities for delegates to meet influential figures. For our delegate, the possibility of meeting Donald Trump was a dream they hoped to realize, even if it seemed unlikely. “I’ve already met so many incredible people here. But if given the chance, shaking Donald Trump’s hand would be a dream come true. Ever since his 2016 campaign, I’ve wanted to meet him. While it might not happen, just being close to him and experiencing the event is incredibly emotional,” they expressed. Embracing Wisconsin Culture at the Convention The convention brought a slice of Wisconsin culture to the national stage, with delegates indulging in local favorites like brats, beer, and cheese curds. These elements provided a comforting sense of home for the Wisconsin attendees. “There are plenty of brats, beer, and cheese curds here. It’s a true taste of Wisconsin, and it feels like home,” the delegate remarked warmly. A Surprising Absence: Where’s the Milk? While the convention celebrated many aspects of Wisconsin culture, one notable absence left our delegate surprised and somewhat disappointed: the lack of milk. As a state renowned for its dairy industry, the omission was unexpected. “I was genuinely shocked by the absence of milk at the convention. Being the dairy state, it’s surprising not to see milk available for breakfast or at concession stands. As someone who grew up on a dairy farm, it was quite the shocker. We have plenty of cheese, but where’s the milk?” they questioned. Delving into the Convention Experience The Emotional Roller Coaster Attending a national convention is an emotional journey, filled with excitement, pride, and moments of reflection. For our Calumet County delegate, the convention was a whirlwind of emotions, amplified by the historical significance of the event and the personal connections made along the way. The Highs and Lows The convention brought a mix of high-energy moments and quieter, introspective times. From the thrill of surprise appearances to the profound impact of powerful speeches, every moment contributed to the emotional tapestry of the event. Building Connections One of the most rewarding aspects of the convention was the opportunity to build connections with fellow delegates and influential figures. These interactions not only enriched the delegate’s experience but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees. The Importance of Representation Being the first representative from Calumet County to attend a national convention is a significant achievement. It highlights the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping the future of the party and the nation. Breaking New Ground For our delegate, attending the convention was not just a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for their community. It underscored the value of representation and the impact one individual can have in a larger political landscape. Inspiring Future Generations By breaking new ground, the delegate hoped to inspire future generations from their community to get involved in the political process and strive for greater representation at national events. Embracing the Local Culture Milwaukee: A City to Love Despite the packed schedule, our delegate found moments to appreciate the charm and culture of Milwaukee. From enjoying local cuisine to experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere, these brief interludes added a personal touch to the convention experience. Culinary Delights Milwaukee’s culinary scene, particularly its iconic Irish pub, left a lasting impression on our delegate. As a self-proclaimed foodie, they relished the opportunity to indulge in the city’s diverse and flavorful offerings. A Sense of Belonging Being from Wisconsin, the delegate felt a deep sense of belonging in Milwaukee.