David Jenkins: Diving coach who worked with Tom Daley dies, aged 31

David Jenkins
British Swimming

Tributes have flooded in for highly respected diving coach David Jenkins who has died, at the age of 31.

He was the Development Lead Coach for Dive London, which is England’s top diving programme, based out of the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford.

Even though Jenkins was not their primary coach, Dive London is home to Olympic gold medallists Tom Daley and Matty Lee.

Daley
Tom Daley winning Bronze in the 10m at Tokyo 2020
Jeremy Selwyn

Jenkins had worked there for eight years and coached divers – Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen – who both represented Team GB in Tokyo.

Olympic champion Matty Lee said Jenkins “lit up every room he walked into”.

Writing on his Instagram story, Lee - who won 10m synchro gold with Tom Daley in Tokyo - said Jenkins had recently become his coach and would be “missed greatly”.

He said: “He was one of those people who nobody disliked. A true gent with a beautiful personality. You will be missed greatly diving will not be the same without you.”

Olympic medallist Jack Laugher also paid tribute, saying: “Words cannot describe how devastated I am. A great man, friend and coach. You will be truly missed.”

British Swimming announced his death: “A former gymnast and diver himself, David had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with at Swim England, British Diving and GLL.”

It added: “British Swimming has asked that the privacy of his family, friends and the British Diving community be respected at this difficult time and they will be working closely with staff and athletes who have been affected by this awful news.”

Jenkins played an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, where he gave lessons to thousands of children across the country as part of the Learn To Dive campaign.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Everyone at Swim England is deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing.

“He was a highly-respected coach who played a key role in the development of several divers who have competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympics.

“He will be extremely missed poolside and our thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Swim England go out to his family and friends.”

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