SOUTHEND Diving’s Duran Omer claimed two medals at the British Gas Diving Championships in Plymouth but still believes his best is yet to come this season.

The 17-year-old, from Southend finished second in the one metre springboard junior final and took third in the three metre.

However, Omer remains determined to improve on both of those performances.

“Overall I’m pleased with how it went and picking up the two medals but I do feel as though I have more to give and I will aim to show that in the forthcoming events,” said Omer.

“In the three metre final I actually hit both of my feet on the board which brought some tension and real difficulty.

“It tested me mentally but I stayed in the right mindset and finished with some good dives.

“I’ve not hit the board before in a competition but I’ve had bad dives and it can be tough to come back from.

“But whether or not it’s a good bad or a bad dive you have to just focus on the next one you have and make sure you get that one right.

“Thankfully I was able to do that and I was reasonably pleased in the end.

Omer also competed in the senior section, finishing sixth in the one metre final and seventh in the three metre.

And Omer is delighted with the progress he is making working with his new coach Aaron Paul.

Omer had previously worked with Damian Ball and trained alongside Oliver Dingley before the duo both headed off to Ireland.

But Omer insists his form has not been affected by their departures.

“Of course I miss both Ollie and Damian but Aaron has come in and done a great job,” said Omer.

“I’m really enjoying working with him and I’m just getting on with my training like before really.

“I train six days a week in Southend and now I want to try and build on this result.”

Omer will therefore continue to train hard and he remains determined to reach the European Games which take place in Baku this June.

“My main goal is to make the European Games this season,” said Omer.

“The trials for that take place down in Plymouth again in April so I’m working towards that at the moment and making sure I prepare as well as possible.”

Omer’s former Southend team-mate Dingley was also in action at the weekend, competing as a guest due to his switch to Ireland.

Dingley finished second in the one metre final and took fourth in the three metre.