After winning silver in Beijing Wu experienced mixed results in 2009 and is keen to start fresh in 2010, with the focus for the year being the Commonwealth Games in New Dehli, India.
“Melissa is only 17, and moving to Sydney to train is a huge commitment. She will be away from her family and friends in a new environment and program.
“It is basically a new life for Melissa, but I know she is more than capable and ready to continue competing at the highest level,” said Sobrino.
Robertson has long been one of Australia’s premier male divers and will continue his stellar career by joining the ITP.
He has a history of diving with Mitcham. The pair has experienced success at a junior level, winning silver at the 2004 Junior World Championships in the synchronised 3m springboard.
“Scott is returning from a year in semi-retirement because of a wrist injury. He will face a variety of challenges as he returns to competition, but is prepared for the journey ahead and I am confident he will overcome those challenges,” Sobrino explained.
All four athletes will be under the tutelage of Sobrino, who led Mitcham to Olympic gold and Croak to her second Olympic Games appearance, as well as former NSWIS athlete Loudy Tourky to bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He is excited at the prospect of adding two more world class divers to his roster.
“There are two main benefits for establishing the international training program.
“One is that it increases the quality of the divers in the program. This then motivates the younger divers as they are training shoulder to shoulder with world class athletes.
“Secondly, having world class athletes in the program assists in articulating the correct form and technique to the younger divers in the squad. I often had to rely on video footage and diagrams to communicate that information. Seeing the correct technique and form will allow the younger divers to absorb the information quickly,” said Sobrino.
“The increased level of talent creates increased pressure on me as a coach. My goal is to keep the training environment relaxed and simple, while always encouraging my squad to work hard and improve.”
The NSWIS Diving Program is proudly supported by the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The Institute’s Principal Partner is ClubsNSW, who provides over $1 million a year in sponsorship support.
