Hi,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to click on my Pledge Sports funding page. I hope my short bio gives you an insight into what I do and most importantly, what I want to achieve.

I am an Irish international Springboard diver based in Dublin and 2016 could be the year that I make my biggest dream a reality and become the first Irish diver to compete at the Olympic games in 68 years. I am originally from the UK and was very lucky to grow up with a very supportive family who pushed their limits and resources so that I and my three siblings were able to pursue the activities that we loved to do. I always struggled at school and I eventually found something that allowed me to put the pressures of school to one side, and that was diving.

I made the decision to follow my family’s heritage and represent Ireland. With the support of Swim Ireland and the Institute of Sport, the Olympic Games has now become a reality. Ireland have not had a diver compete at the Olympics since Eddie Heron in 1948. To have the opportunity to compete at Rio is one I have been training for for many years. A lot of people have helped me get where I am now and I hope competing at the Olympics will make everyone’s investment in me worthwhile.

Rio 2016 is my first goal and the next is to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and various world and European championships. Just like Eddie Heron, I would love to create a little bit of Irish sporting history and hopefully leave a lasting legacy for Irish Diving. Outside of diving, I have taken up various ambassador and public speaking roles. I have gained valuable experience in an area close to my heart and I was able to become a national ambassador for the sport and healthy living. In 2014, I launched my own personal project to visit numerous schools and youth groups in order to promote sport and an active and well balanced lifestyle using the Olympic values. This is a project I would love to continue especially with the Irish community.

Like many athletes, the burdens of trying to find sponsorship or funding yourself can be a great strain. All donations go towards preparing me, both mentally and physically, for the biggest stage of all: the Olympic Games.

Your support is always appreciated.

Thank you & best wishes,

 

Ollie