In the past year, diver Ellie Cole has achieved more than many teenagers could dream of. She reached the finals in her first Olympics, competed at a World Cup, won two national titles, and is now diving at her maiden World Championships. It’s a whirlwind of accomplishments for a young athlete who quietly emerged onto the international stage.
“Oh my gosh, they [the last 12 months] have been chaotic, but fun,” Cole shared with ABC Sport. “I took away so much, I learnt so much, I just kept developing and growing as an athlete.” The pursuit of perfection is a daunting task in any sport, and Cole has discovered that it requires significant mental resilience. “I think the most important thing I’ve learnt in terms of my diving, is the strength of my own mindset,” she explained.
The Art and Pressure of Diving
Cole’s passion for diving is palpable. Her graceful movements through the air and into the water have been described as artistic. “I feel like it really ties together both art and power,” she said. “I just think it’s really beautiful.” The allure of a perfect score is another driving force. “It’s the chase of perfection I love about it [too].”
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Cole achieved a career highlight by reaching the final of the women’s 10-meter platform event, finishing seventh overall—the best result for an Australian in the competition. However, the subsequent World Aquatics Diving World Cup presented a new challenge. “It’s the first time I went into a competition, and I didn’t perform the way I would have hoped consistently,” she admitted.
“I had a bit of impostor syndrome and it kind of clouded my brain. It was hard for me to come out of.”
The World Cup was divided into three events across Mexico, Canada, and China. In Mexico, she finished 11th, and in Canada, she placed ninth. A brief return home between competitions allowed her to regroup. “My coach and parents helped me see that I’m not defined by my performance at those competitions,” Cole reflected. By the time she reached China, she had regained her confidence, making it to the semifinals and ending with a performance she was proud of.
Beyond the Diving Board
Ellie Cole is as impressive outside the pool as she is in it. Later this year, she will move to the United States to attend Stanford University, where she plans to dive and study aerospace engineering. “Ultimately, I decided that it was the best thing for me and an opportunity I can’t pass up,” she said.
Cole’s interest in STEM began early, with extracurricular science projects since primary school. Her Year 12 Science Extension research project, which examined recirculated air in tunnels, was selected for the International Science and Engineering Fair. “I got onto the team to represent Australia with my project, but I wasn’t able to go because I had World Championships trials,” Cole explained.
Preparing for the World Championships
As she gears up for the World Championships in Singapore, Cole is part of a team of 14 divers competing from July 26 to August 3. She will participate in the Women’s 10-meter platform event, as well as the 10-meter synchronized and mixed team events. “It’s a little bit different to the Olympics and the World Cups,” she noted. “This is where all the athletes from all the countries of the globe come, and it means the competitions are going to be a lot longer.”
To manage the waiting time, Cole has developed strategies to stay focused. “I usually only focus on the dive when I’m up on the platform,” she said. To keep her mind occupied beforehand, she plays games like Blockudoku on her phone or listens to music.
Her approach to the competition is simple: take each dive as it comes and enjoy the experience. “Adopting this new positive mindset, I’m just going to enjoy my experience,” she said. As long as Cole maintains her love for diving, she will remain a formidable presence on the platform.
“My goal is just to keep enjoying the sport,” she concluded. “I love the feeling of flipping in the air, I love the chase of perfection, it brings me so much joy.”
