Harrogate diver back in action at Olympics
Jack Laugher is taking part in the heats of the men's individual 3m springboard today
Harrogate's Jack Laugher is aiming for Olympic glory again today.
He won bronze last week in the Men's synchro 3-metre springboard but will compete today in the heats of the individual event.
His Dad Dave says he's loved the sport since he was a little boy. "He started diving at the age of 7, me and Mum when he was very, very little, we thought he was going to be a choir boy in the Cathedral, that was their plan for them, but it never quite came off I'm afraid."
He also says there has been incredible support from the community: "They are always asking after him, how he is getting on and where he is, and congratulating me on his latest, so it's great, a good community around here and we're very grateful to live in this part of the world and of course he is a true Yorkshireman."
"It's been 23 years, to and fro between pools and competition and just getting him to where he needs to be, but of course he's paid us back in spadefuls and it's been a great outcome for the whole family."
Meanwhile Harrogate Long jumper Jacob Fincham-Dukes competes in the long jump final tonight.
The Yorkshireman is enjoying the best season of his career having improved his personal best to 8.20m in April and jumping a wind-assisted 8.30m in May.
Making his Olympic debut, the 27-year-old uncorked a leap of 7.96m in the third and last round of qualification to progress as the eighth in a field of 12 for tonight's final.
“It is kind of unreal,” said Fincham-Dukes.
“I have been working really hard this year, and to get over that final hurdle and reach that pinnacle feels absolutely incredible.
“Especially on that last round, it was spooky, I did a really good jump on my first attempt but it was a foul, I messed it up on the second round, so it was all or nothing in that moment, and I did it. Give me some more pressure because clearly I shine.”