Satellite HS diver Tyler Jones: From no experience to 4-time state qualifier
SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — Diving is considered an extreme sport and not easily mastered. It takes a considerable amount of mental training to wrap one鈥檚 brain around not being nervous or afraid when faced with performing a dive. Having the right mindset going in and believing in yourself is key to being a successful diver. Tyler Jones will be the first to admit that being nervous was and still is a difficult feeling to overcome. One of his coaches told him to 鈥淕et out of your head!鈥�, which helped him tremendously. It also helped to come to the realization that it was not the end of the world if he wasn鈥檛 at the top of the leader board as long as he performed to the best of his ability.
Tyler started diving his freshman year at Satellite High School with no experience and made it to States all four years and the podium (medaled) his junior and senior year placing 6th and 5th respectively. He is a two-time Cape Coast Conference Champion and has been a part of the Breakfast of Champions here in Brevard County during his sophomore and junior year. At Tyler鈥檚 first USA Dive meet in Coral Springs he competed in the 1 meter and 3 meter against Olympic qualifiers and Olympians. It was a great experience and opportunity for him!
Divers are part of the swim team but unlike swimmers, divers are judged mostly on execution before one drop of water touches their bodies. No matter the type of dive take-off and flight, the amount of physical and mental exertion it takes to execute the dive from when Tyler springs or drops from the board to entering the water is immense. Tyler maintains a healthy lifestyle and before meets he pops in his ear buds and stretches while listening to his favorite tunes to help with flexibility.
When asked what being on a team has taught him, Tyler responded, 鈥淗ow to teach and be friendly at the same time.鈥� He is appreciative of all he has learned from his coaches and team members and credits them for much of his success. Diving takes a lot of courage, core strength, and practice and Jones has what it takes to be a contender. Tyler has proven himself in the sport and he can now look forward to having a very bright future.
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