DIVER Dariush Lotfi missed out on qualification for this summer’s delayed Olympic Games, in Tokyo.
Competing in a world-class field, the former Brightlingsea schoolboy needed to finish in the top 18 to definitely qualify, with the top 24 likely to secure an Olympic placing.
However, on this occasion, it was not to be and he finished 37th out of 46 in the men’s 10m platform preliminary round on Monday morning.
He achieved 321.65 points in six dives - 186.65 points behind leader and household name, Tom Daley.
Daley then finished second in the semi-final before winning the final on Tuesday morning, finishing 27 points ahead of Mexican, Randal Willars Valdez.
Taking the plunge dream - Colchester-born Dariush Lotfi
Dariush’s mum Tracey Montague, who still lives in Brightlingsea, said: “Dar’s off to Budapest for the European Championships as soon as he gets back from Japan.
“After that, and his final school exams, he’ll focus on the competitions leading up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.”
Dariush was born in Colchester and lived in Brightlingsea.
He attended Millfields Primary School and then the Colne Community School and College.
Tracey added: “Dar’s extremely committed and passionate about his diving - as he had to be in order to leave his family and friends behind to move to Austria when he was 15.”
READ MORE:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here