Aussie diving queen Melissa Wu defies odds to create history, set to dive at fifth Olympics

Melissa Wu is on the cusp of becoming the first Australian diver to compete at five Olympics after overcoming nerves to clinch another national title.

The 32-year-old has triumphed in the women’s 10-metre platform at the national championships in Adelaide.

Wu’s victory on Saturday night ensures she will be nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee, which will ratify all diving selections for the Paris Olympics within weeks.

Wu’s selection will extend her streak of diving at all Olympics since making her debut as a 16-year-old in Beijing in 2008.

The Aussie veteran made her debut as a 16-year-old in Beijing in 2008

‘To know that Olympic selection is a real possibility is a really incredible feeling,’ Wu said.

‘And looking back now on my career, I can appreciate the gravity of what this competition means.

‘It hasn’t been something I’ve focused on trying to become the first Australian diver to go to five Olympic Games as I am pretty process-driven.

‘But looking at everything I have overcome to compete at this competition is pretty amazing, I’m pretty proud of myself.’

Wu said her battles with a string of recent injuries heightened her anxiety entering the platform final in Adelaide on Saturday night.

‘I’m feeling relieved that the competition is over,’ she said.

‘I had a lot of nerves heading into this event – I always get super nervous when I compete, and have done so from a young age.

‘But I think all the work I have put in over the years with the mindset and experiences I’ve had, I’ve learnt to deal with that a little better now.’

Wu will be the first Australian diver to compete at five Olympics

Diving Australia’s performance director Steve Foley said he was in awe of Wu, who won a synchronised 10m platform silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and a bronze in the individual 10m platform at the Tokyo Games of 2021.

‘She had a tough preparation with injuries, but how resilient is this athlete,’ Foley said.

‘The fact she can now be nominated to attend her fifth Olympic Games is just inspiring for everyone on our Diving Australia roster, I am in awe of her.’

Equestrian stalwart Andrew Hoy holds the Australian record for competing at the most Olympics – he has ridden at eight Games, and is in the selection frame for a ninth in Paris.