Aussie diving queen Melissa Wu defies odds to create history, set to dive at fifth Olympics

Melissa Wu is set to become the first Australian diver to compete in five Olympic Games after overcoming nerves to win another national title.

The 32-year-old has triumphed in the women’s 10-metre platform at the national championships in Adelaide.

Wu’s win on Saturday night sees her nominated for the Australian Olympic Committee, which will ratify all diving selections for the Paris Olympics in weeks.

Wu’s selection will extend her streak of diving at all Olympics since she made her debut in Beijing as a 16-year-old in 2008.

Melissa Wu is heading to her fifth Olympic Games despite recent injury concerns

The Australian veteran made her debut as a 16-year-old in Beijing in 2008

“Knowing that Olympic selection is a real possibility is an incredible feeling,” Wu said.

‘And now when I look back on my career, I can see the seriousness of what this competition means.

“Becoming the first Australian diver to go to five Olympics isn’t something I’ve focused on because I’m quite process-driven.

“But when I look at everything I’ve overcome to get into this competition, it’s pretty amazing, I’m pretty proud of myself.”

Wu said her battles with a series of recent injuries added to her anxiety heading into the platform final in Adelaide on Saturday night.

“I’m relieved the competition is over,” she said.

‘I had a lot of nerves going into this event. I always get super nervous when I compete, and I have done that since I was young.

“But I think with all the work I’ve done over the years with the mentality and experiences I’ve had, I’ve learned to deal with that a little better now.”

Wu will be the first Australian diver to compete in five Olympic Games

Diving Australia performance director Steve Foley said he was impressed with Wu, who won a silver medal in the synchronized 10m platform at the 2008 Olympics and bronze in the individual 10m platform at the 2021 Tokyo Games .

“She had a tough preparation with injuries, but how resilient this athlete is,” Foley said.

“The fact that she can now be nominated to attend her fifth Olympic Games is simply inspiring for everyone on our Diving Australia roster, I am in awe of her.”

Equestrian Andrew Hoy holds the Australian record for competing in the most Olympic Games – he has competed in eight events and is in the squad for a ninth-place finish in Paris.