In the past year, diver Ellie Cole has experienced a whirlwind of achievements and challenges that most teenagers can only dream of. From making it to the finals in her first Olympics to competing at a World Cup and winning two national titles, Cole is now diving into her maiden World Championships. It’s a remarkable journey for a young athlete who has quietly emerged onto the international scene.
“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 in diving requires not only physical skill but also immense mental toughness, as Cole has discovered. “I think the most important thing I’ve learnt in terms of my diving is the strength of my own mindset,” she said.
The Pressure of Individual Sport
Cole’s passion for diving is evident in her graceful movements and the way she speaks about the sport. Her dives have been described as a blend of art and power, a combination she finds captivating. “I feel like it really ties together both art and power,” she explained. “I just think it’s really beautiful.”
The allure of achieving a perfect score is a significant motivator for Cole. “It’s the chase of perfection I love about it [too],” she noted. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Cole reached new heights by making the final of the women’s 10-meter platform event, finishing seventh overall—the best result for an Australian in the competition.
However, the World Aquatics Diving World Cup presented a different kind of challenge. “It’s the first time I went into a competition, and I didn’t perform the way I would have hoped consistently,” Cole admitted. “I had a bit of impostor syndrome and it kind of clouded my brain. It was hard for me to come out of.”
“My coach and parents helped me see that I’m not defined by my performance at those competitions,” Cole said.
The event, which took place across Mexico, Canada, and China, tested her resilience. Returning home between competitions allowed her to regroup and lean on her support network. In China, she entered with a renewed mindset, reaching the semifinals and ending with a performance she was proud of. “It was good to end the World Cup with a highlight,” she reflected.
Beyond the Diving Board
Ellie Cole’s talents extend beyond the diving board. 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 has been evident since primary school, culminating in a Year 12 Science Extension project on recirculated air in tunnels. Her project was selected for the International Science and Engineering Fair, although she had to forgo attending due to World Championships trials.
Cole is passionate about STEM and wants to become an aerospace engineer.
Preparing for the World Championships
As she prepares for the World Championships in Singapore, Cole joins a team of 13 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.”
Cole has been strategizing on how to use the waiting time between dives wisely. “I usually only focus on the dive when I’m up on the platform,” she said. To stay relaxed, she plays Blockudoku on her phone or listens to music.
Her approach to the competition is straightforward: 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 continue to be 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.”
