Sheffield diver Freddie Woodward bids for Rio glory

City of Sheffield diver Freddie Woodward will be in action in the Olympic Games in Rio next week.
Freddie Woodward  with his coach Tom Owens in Rio earlier this yearFreddie Woodward  with his coach Tom Owens in Rio earlier this year
Freddie Woodward with his coach Tom Owens in Rio earlier this year

The Stannington star competes in the individual 3-metre springboard on Monday and Tuesday.

Woodward, first spotted as a Dobcroft Primary School pupil, won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and has been spurred along the way by a unique sponsorship scheme involving a local jewellers.

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For left safely at home is the diamond-studded ‘lucky charm’ which has rewarded his success and motivated him to aim ever-higher for the last three years.

A solid silver key ring studded with 13 diamonds to mark each major sporting achievement which have been his stepping stones to the Olympics, it is one of the 20-year-old’s most prized possessions.

Each gemstone was earned thanks to a scheme set up by Green + Benz, leading jewellers with stores in Sheffield and Chesterfield, to reward City of Sheffield Diving Club’s young elite.

Green + Benz MD Helen Dimmick, a top gemologist and diamond grader, launched the scheme after watching a club diving display at Ponds Forge.

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Helen, who trained as a ballet dancer with the Royal Academy of Dancing until she was 19, was impressed by the physicality and beauty of the performances and the commitment and discipline.

Woodward said from Rio: “To have my diving achievements acknowledged with diamonds is very special. The key rings are treasured by all who receive them. Mine is priceless to me.”