Sophie Ross goes from gymnast to rising diving star through Talent Search

Retired gymnast Sophie Ross has swapped the land for the water in her new career of diving. The core components of gymnastics gave Sophie Ross an early edge as she switched her focus to the sport of diving at age 14 in 2018.

After 5 years as a gymnast the skills learnt there put her on the fast track in diving. “I learnt a lot of transferable skills and already had a strong conditioning and acrobatic base from gymnastics that gave me a good start for diving, said Ross.

“Lots of fundamental gymnastics skills like handstands and somersaults are also used in diving as well as body tension and core strength,” she added on the skill crossover between the two sports.

Ross is coached by Olympic medallist Mat Helm, himself a former gymnast before his diving career. “Mat understands the techniques in both sports and how they can be transferred which helped me adjust to landing on my hands in the water instead of landing on my feet.”

“Definitely try it, I went to a talent ID day before I started diving even though I wasn’t sure and I’m glad I did,” said Ross, who was initially hesitant has not looked back after the talent search.