Glad tidings
Monique Gladding made the GB diving team just 18 months after a freak accident almost claimed her life.
Last Updated: 11/06/12 6:02pm
Monique Gladding's naming in Great Britain's Olympic diving team marked a remarkable comeback for her, just 18 months after a freak accident in Russia almost claimed her life.
Gladding has been named as one of 12 members of the British Olympic diving team, but things could have been very different for the 30-year-old, who finished third in the women's platform contest in Sheffield last weekend.
The City of Sheffield diver had to be dragged to safety from the bottom of the diving pool after she hit her head on the concrete 10m platform and plummeted unconscious into the water.
She was left with a large scar across the top of her scalp and thought her Olympic dream was in tatters, but she returned within six months and finished in the top 10 in the World Cup and European Championships.
"There was a definite moment when I started doubting it," she said. "I had to really draw on something much deeper than I ever have before to get myself back and get the confidence back.
"It's my third attempt at an Olympics, last time I missed out slightly and the time before.
Dig deep
"To be in London, after the year I've had - I've had to dig deeper than ever. It's been such a good year. I have given everything I've got."
Gladding was back on diving's highest board less than six months after her accident, such was her desire to make it to a home Olympic Games.
Top-10 finishes at the World Cup and European Championships this year proved her passion for the sport, and selectors picked her despite a disappointing third place in the Sheffield trials.
"I am really over the moon to be part of Team GB. It is going to be such an honour to represent Great Britain at a home Olympics," she added.
"Since the disappointment of not making the Beijing team I have had many ups and downs to get to today's announcement. I was making real headway until Feb 2011 and then I had my accident which threw me yet another curve ball.
"It has taken a lot but I am now fully back, ready and excited to put on my Team GB Tracksuit. I really can't wait to be back on the boards in London competing in front of an amazing home crowd. It really is a dream come true."
Appeal
The selection could yet be subject to an appeal from Tonia Couch, who was overlooked despite beating Gladding into third place at the British Gas Diving Championships - which doubled as the Olympic qualifiers.
Couch, who was picked for the platform synchro, has 48 hours to lodge a complaint.
