Mississauga, Ontario – Dive Ontario was able to interview Vanessa Bondy, an Aspire D1 diver from Etobicoke Diving Club!

Vanessa at home, training with her brothers.

Vanessa loves being in the water. She pushes herself and tests her fears, which is how she realized her love for diving. When Vanessa is not in the water, she is spending her time playing outside with her big brothers, or inside playing Minecraft.

Please enjoy our interview with Vanessa!

At what age did you begin to dive?

I started diving at age 4.

What does diving mean to you?

I like to swim, my dad calls me a fish.

Vanessa’s first competition with her big brother.

Why did you start diving?

My older brother was diving, and I was at the pool anyway – and I wanted to dive too.

What keeps you motivated?

I like being in the water and I like meeting new friends from other clubs at competitions.

Favourite dive?

Tuck jump.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a diver?

I was first place at the FCDC competition on platform in 2018.

Favourite memory from diving?

Meeting new friends from other diving clubs.

Favourite exercise?

‘3 bridges with 5 pushes’.

Vanessa warming up in the showers.

What are some lessons you have learned since you began diving?

My coach wants my stretches to be deep, he says ‘make it painful’. When I was scared to do a dive, I did it anyway, and now it is easy.

What is the best part about competing?

Eating fruit loops at the diver’s meal plan lounge, because my mom and dad don’t let me eat fruit loops at home.

Who is your biggest cheerleader/supporter?

My family.

Who is your diving role model?

Jennifer Abel.

Do you have a pre-competition routine? If so, what is it?

The night before a competition I go to bed early, and I wear my favorite bathing suit.

Vanessa at her first competition.
And now, a Poolside Personality speed-round!

Do prefer sweet or savory snacks?

I am a sugar monster – sweet all the way.

Favourite movie?

Spirit Untamed – I love horses.

Favourite season?

Summer.

Favourite subject in school?

French, because it is easy.

Vanessa and her fellow divers training in an outdoor pool.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Why?

A horse, because they are my favorite animal.

If you weren’t diving, what would you be doing?

Gymnastics.

Favourite place in the world you’ve visited/place you would like to visit most?

The horse ranch.

Favourite hobby?

Playing Minecraft, and swimming.

Stay tuned for more Poolside Profiles!

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