David Jenkins dead: Tom Daley’s ex-diving coach and Team GB member dies aged 31
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David Jenkins, a valued member of Team GB’s coaching staff, has tragically died aged just 31. British Swimming confirmed the sad news of the passing of Tom Daley’s former coach on Monday, with the cause of his death currently unconfirmed.
Jenkins’ passing comes as a great shock just months after helping Team GB’s divers secure a joint-record medal haul at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
He coached Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen, who both represented Team GB in Japan, at the London Aquatics Centre.
Jenkins was the Development Lead Coach at Dive London, home to Tom Daley and Matty Lee, newly-honoured Olympic gold medallists.
Although he wasn’t the duo’s primary coach, he undoubtedly contributed to their success at Tokyo 2020.
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After announcing Jenkins’ death, British Swimming shared a touching statement, expressing his popularity among the diving community.
It read: “It is with immense sadness that British Swimming can confirm the death of diving coach David Jenkins over the weekend.
“All our thoughts and condolences go out to David’s wife, family and friends, and we please ask that their privacy, and that of the British Diving community, be respected at this difficult time.
“We will be working closely with staff and athletes who have been affected by this awful news.
“David, 31, was the Development Lead Coach for Dive London, overseeing the progress of the next generation of elite athletes at the London Aquatics Centre during his eight years involved with the diving programme there.
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“Away from the elite side of the sport, David’s love for coaching and the sport saw him play an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, delivering Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the country.
“He was extremely popular with all in the diving community due to his wonderful, friendly personality.
“A former gymnast and diver himself, David had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with across British Diving and GLL.”
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Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson also paid tribute to Jenkins, highlighting his role in developing many of the nation’s top divers.
She 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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