My name is Libby-Eliza Mitson and I’m a diver.
I’ve always loved sport. I started gymnastics at the age of 2 and by 8
years old I was on the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Yorkshire Squad,
competing all around the UK at an elite level.
At the age of 10 I was selected for a fast track diving scheme through a
Talent Identification Programme, despite the fact that I couldn’t even
swim! I made up for my lack of swimming ability by showing my strength and
gymnastic skills throughout the trials. I went on to do both sports for a
while, however, being selected for the Dive England talent pathway meant I
chose to focus on diving.
I have now been diving for about 4 years and I compete at the Junior Elite
level. Diving has lead me to train and compete in countries all around
Europe (Croatia, The Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and more). I enjoy
every second of my training even if it means getting up at 5am and having
wet hair for school!
My favourite board is the 10m platform as I love the adrenaline of jumping
from so high up and hitting the water. The best feeling is coming up to
cheering when you’ve nailed a dive.
A few of my highlights of my diving career so far have been: becoming the
National Age Group platform champion in my category, winning gold off the
London 2012 Olympic 10 meter platform at the English Schools diving
championships and winning double gold at the Irish Open championships in my
category.
My ultimate goal is to be the best that I can be at my sport by pushing
myself, being determined and always working hard.
As I train a lot, I mainly wear my swimsuits and gymwear - shorts, leggings
and training tops - and there’s no better than Neil Ednies! On a typical
day you will probably see me wearing something casual like joggers and a
hoodie but if i’m going out I style myself to suit the occasion.