Mississauga, Ontario – Dive Ontario was able to interview Isaiah Dekker-Bauer from Nepean Ottawa Diving Club.
Isaiah is a very motivated, hard worker. He enjoys living on the edge and pushing his limits to see how far he can go in the sport and his everyday life. Isaiah is fearless, and his perseverance shines through his future goals, his positive attitude, and his preparation to get back into the pools.
Please enjoy our interview with Isaiah!
Q: At what age did you begin to dive?
12 years old.
Q: What does diving mean to you?
It is a way to liberate myself from my worries, like a coping mechanism, I feel free.
Q: Why did you start diving?
I moved from competitive gymnastics to diving because I most enjoy the aerial and acrobatic elements, and like being in the water, so it was a good combination of the two.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
The future potential, knowing everything will hopefully go back to normal, so I can continue to progress in the sport to see how far I can go.
Q: Favourite dive?
Back one and a half double twist, 5235D.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment as a diver?
Placing 3rd on 1M at the Orlando All-Stars Invitational is for me equal with qualifying for the Nationals in 2019, even though because of COVID I never got to go.
Q: Favourite memory from diving?
Going to Windsor for the first time for a competition and getting to go to the waterslides after, a nice reward!
Q: Favourite exercise?
Push-ups – I’m a simple person.
Q: What are some lessons you have learned since you began diving?
I have learned to never start something and stop midway through because it can cause bodily damage! I have also learned perseverance – to keep training when we have been out of the pool for so long.
Q: Favourite sports quote?
“If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space” – Jim Whittaker.
Q: Biggest fear while diving?
None, so far…
Q: What is the best part about competing?
Pushing my limits and also meeting new people or hanging with friends from other clubs.
Q: Who is your biggest cheerleader/supporter?
My family.
Q: Who is your diving role model?
Yona Knight-Wisdom, because he is an outlier.
Q: What are your long-term goals for diving?
A university scholarship would be great, and maybe even representing Canada at a competition.
And now, a Poolside Personality speed-round!
Q: Do prefer sweet or savory snacks?
Sweet.
Q: Favourite movie genre?
Action/mystery.
Q: Favourite book?
Archie Comics.
Q: Favourite season?
Summer.
Q: Favourite subject in school?
Education Physique.
Q: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Why?
A cheetah, because the speed they have must make them feel like no other species – I’d like to experience that.
Q: If you weren’t diving, what would you be doing?
Gymnastics.
Q: Favourite place in the world you’ve visited/place you would like to visit most?
The Netherlands is my favourite place visited so far; Guatemala is where I want to visit most.
Q: Favourite hobby?
Longboarding
Stay tuned for more poolside profiles!
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