DIVING instructors made a splash after winning medals in a European competition.

Rick Dear and John Ley, based at Park Road Leisure Centre pool, in Crouch End, took part in the LEN European Aquatics Masters Championships, at the London Aquatic Centre, during May 25 to 29.

The Haringey Aquatics coaches scooped prizes for the European Diving and National Water Polo, after competing against with more than 10,000 aquatics athletes from 47 other countries.

Mr Dear, a former British national diver, secured a hat trick of medals, including gold in the Platform, silver in the 3m Springboard and bronze in the 1m Springboard. He was relieved with his achievement after being unable to do a great deal of training beforehand. He said: “I was injured and not able to train much leading up to LENS- people thought I was a bit mad for evening entering, but my competition form never felt better, in a funny way I felt less pressure and more focused mentally.”

Ley also secured a top 20 finish in his 1m Springboard age group.

Members of the Haringey Aquatics Water Polo team also won in Liverpool over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

As members of the London Sharks, they first took the title in Group B of the U16 inter-regional competition, finishing with an unbeaten record.

The following day, they gained a bronze medal after an 8-4 win over the South East region team. Justin Shute, the Haringey Aquatics water polo coach, said: “This is the first time any females from Haringey Aquatics Water Polo have been selected for a regional team and they were playing against Britain’s best.

“I hope their success will encourage other girls to follow in Sasha and Sophie’s footsteps.”

To find out more about becoming a member of Haringey Aquatics, visit www.haringeyaquatics.org.uk.