How old is too old to start diving?

Question
After watching the Olympic diving events, I have become interested in diving. Unfortunately I'm 15, and the majority of Olympic divers started diving when they were 6 or younger.
Is it too late to learn how to dive?

Answer
Ally -

You are not anywhere near too old to start diving. There are many accomplished US divers who started when they were older than you are now. You are basing this probably on the Chinese divers that you see on the Olympics. They started at that very young age for different reasons than Americans start diving at any age. There have been past US Olympic team members who did not start diving until college and then won medals at the Olympics. They did, however, have an extensive background in gymnastics.If you have athletic ability, flexibility, abdominal strength and are somewhat acrobatic (or are willing to become that way) you should try diving. It also takes a lot of guts!!

For more info on this great sport, go to these websites:

www.usadiving.org
www.aaudiving.org
www.usadiver.com
www.flipnrip.com
www.diving.about.com
www.laurawilkinson.com
www.divemeets.com
www.springboardsandmore.com

Some of these websites will help you find a coach in your area.You should also look into joining your high school's swim/dive team. Give it a try and find out if you like it. Good luck.

Tom Trapp