The next big thing in U.S. diving is 4 feet 11¾ inches and weighs 95 pounds if you put her on the scale immediately after she emerges from the pool, dripping wet. She’s also 15 and as recently as four years ago hadn’t jumped off a 10-meter platform.
Haley Ishimatsu
But before Ishimatsu could dream of learning how to translate her gymnastics skills to the pool, much less competing internationally, she had to jump off the 10-meter platform – the equivalent of a three-story building – for the first time. She climbed to the top, walked to the edge, peered at the shimmering water below and shook her head. No way.
For five minutes she stood there, until Tory climbed up, held her hand and jumped with her.
Both Hayley and her sister Tory were gymnasts who moved to diving. As was 2000 Olympic platform champion Laura Wilkinson, who is still competing.
Laura Wilkinson … started diving the same year Ishimatsu was born. Now, after Haley Ishimatsu has spent only 3½ years in the sport, U.S. national coach Chen Wenbo is saying things such as:
“When she learns how to put all the dives together, I think she has a good chance to win an Olympic medal.â€
In 2012? In 2016?
“No,†Chen says, “I think she has a chance to win a medal in these Olympics (in August).â€
Tiny ex-gymnast making big splash in U.S. diving – Sign On San Diego
I checked with Dr. Jeni McNeal, sport scientist working with the diving team. She assured me that Haley is the real deal.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 