Diving Canada – Tyler Henschel re-invented his entire strategy and on one monumental Sunday at Winter Senior Nationals, used it to capture nomination for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so ready for an event in my life,” said the 23 year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta, who skipped all other events to focus solely on the 10m platform in Saskatoon.

“Today I just really felt like it was my day, I was so excited to be in that final.”

Henschel scored 458.30 points to win the gold medal, edging 2016 Olympian Vincent Riendeau (456.65 points) and third-placed Rylan Wiens (449.70 points).

And altering his event selection wasn’t the only thing that launched Henschel into the top spot.

He says he has been reading sport psychology books, writing down phrases, and trying them out in competition.

One technique was to devise a specific playlist, aimed at keeping his energy up and his mind off the other competitors.

On the list? ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor.

Classic.

“It was just a new emotional level that I haven’t really felt before,” said Henschel, who described fewer nerves and a sense of urgency and confidence instead.

And Henschel understands the significance of a berth at Commonwealth Games, “This is to me the next and the biggest step for me going into Tokyo 2020,” said Henschel, who represented Canada at last summer’s Universiade.

“It’s exactly what I need at this point to show that I can be that next person in line, and be that next person for Canada for the Olympics.”

Three-time Olympian Jennifer Abel won the women’s 3m springboard with 368.40 points.

Olympian Pamela Ware was second with 344.85 points and this weekend’s 1m champion, Eloïse Bélanger, was third with 272.85 points.

Full results are available: http://www.issmembership.com/diving/live/schedule.aspx

The diving competition at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games runs April 10 – 13.

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For more information:

Maelle Dancause
Manager, Communications
Diving Plongeon Canada
C: 514-475-4540 | maelle@diving.ca