The world’s top divers are set to make a splash at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 14 to 22. With the Chinese team aiming to repeat their sweep of gold medals from 2022 and the British team bringing a strong contingent, the competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
The Stage is Set: Fukuoka Prefectural Pool
The Fukuoka Prefectural Pool, the only permanent pool facility for the 2023 World Championships, will host the diving events. This indoor diving pool, located in Higashi Hirao Park near the city’s airport, has been in operation since April 1989. It has previously served as a venue for the 1995 Summer World University Games and the 2001 World Championships, making it a familiar stage for world-class aquatic events.
Diving Schedule: A Marathon of Aquatic Mastery
The 2023 World Championships will feature a total of 27 competition sessions in diving, encompassing 13 events in the sport. These include men’s and women’s individual and synchronized events, two mixed synchronized events, and a mixed team event. The competition kicks off on July 14 with the women’s 1m springboard preliminary at 10:00 Japan Standard Time (UTC +9 hours), and concludes on July 22 with the men’s 10m platform final at 18:30. With a packed schedule spanning over a week, spectators worldwide will have ample opportunities to witness the breathtaking skills of the world’s top divers.
Diving Stars to Watch
The Chinese team, having swept all 13 events at the 2022 World Championships, is the one to watch. The men’s team is led by four-time world champion Wang Zongyuan and triple world champion Yang Hao. The women’s team boasts 2022 world champions Li Yajie, Chen Yiwen, Chang Yani, Chen Yuxi, and Quan Hongchan. Other notable competitors include Great Britain’s Daniel Goodfellow and Jack Laugher, Australia’s Maddison Keeney, and the United States’ Delaney Schnell.
British Swimming Team: A Blend of Experience and Talent
The British Swimming team for the 2023 World Championships comprises a 29-strong team, including six Olympic champions – Freya Anderson, Tom Dean, Anna Hopkin, James Guy, Matt Richards, and Duncan Scott. The team also includes previous World Championship gold medallists James Wilby and Ben Proud. Ten athletes are set to make their Worlds debut in Japan, showcasing the blend of world-class experience and up-and-coming talent.
The Road to Paris 2024
The Championships also serve as an Olympic Games Paris 2024 qualifier. The top 12 finishers in the 3m and 10m individual events will each secure an Olympic quota spot for their National Olympic Committee. The top three teams (excluding France) in the men’s and women’s 3m and 10m synchronized events will do the same. As the world’s top divers compete for glory in Fukuoka, they also have their sights set on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With the Championships just around the corner, the excitement is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion? Who will make their mark in the history of diving? The answers await in Fukuoka.
