This Article is From Oct 11, 2010

Canada's Despatie claims eighth diving gold

Canada's Despatie claims eighth diving gold
New Delhi: Canada's Alexandre Despatie on Monday won the 3m springboard diving title in Delhi, his eighth Commonwealth Games gold medal since his first appearance in Kuala Lampur in 1998.

Despatie, still only 25, from Montreal, added to his 1m springboard title won on Sunday, which made him the first Canadian to win seven Commonwealth golds.

Reuben Ross, also from Canada, came second in the 3m springboard, with Grant Nel of Australia in third.

"Now I can prepare for the London Olympics in 2012," Despatie, who won silver in the event at the Beijing Olympics, said. "I'm already one of the older divers but that gives me a lot of experience.

"I was once the young guy pushing the older guys, so I know how things are. The experience that I have can make a real difference on pressure occasions like these Games."

Despatie, who says he plans a career in acting or film production after his diving career is over, was just 13 when he won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lampur.

"Some of the world's best divers are here in Delhi, and I know I can be extremely competitive in the next Olympics," he said. "There's no optimum age for diving and I feel the timing is working in my favour."

Winning his seventh gold on Sunday took Despatie past Canadian Commonwealth gold records set by rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Orlando, who won six golds all at the Melbourne Games in 2006, and swimmer Graham Smith.

Despatie was far ahead of his rivals on Monday, with total of 513.75 points, with Ross on 457.15 and Grant on 456.55.

He goes for another gold on Tuesday in the 3-metre synchro competition with Ross.
.