STUDENT STANDOUTS

by stephanie wallace MARGO O’MEARA OF WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

EARLIER THIS YEAR, MARGO O’MEARA WON HER FOURTH CONSECUTIVE championship at the MSHSAA Class 1 Dive Meet. The Westminster Christian Academy senior is the first female diver to achieve the feat in the meet’s history, and she currently holds four of the top seven scores in Missouri state history. Along with university in the fall, she now has her eyes on eventually qualifying for the summer Olympics

When did you start diving? I was 6 when I started. I actually did a lot of sports, including gymnastics. When I got a little older, gymnastics became a much bigger time commitment. I decided to focus on diving because it would allow me to split my time between more activities.

What is your favorite part of the sport? The competition is part of it. While it’s physical, there’s also a mental component. Diving has helped me get over some of my fears. I’ve also met so many people and made great friends at different national diving meets. Plus, I just love to flip!

How does it feel to have four consecutive diving championships under your belt? It’s awesome. I’ve taken it one championship at a time. I’ve had amazing coaches, and I couldn’t be happier. The experience has flown by, but I’ve enjoyed every moment and had a lot of fun.

Tell me about your training regime. I’m actually in Indianapolis right now. I train basically all day. I start with three hours of dry conditioning, and then do three hours in the pool. Afterward, I’ll do my school work. The pandemic has actually made it easier for me to work remotely.

Is it hard to balance diving with schoolwork and free time? Balancing it all can be very difficult. Training all day necessitates that I have a structure to my routine. I only have a certain amount of time to get my schoolwork done. My teachers at Westminster have been so helpful, and that really makes a difference. It’s tough, but I also really enjoy what I do and am able to stay focused. I still get to go home and see all of my friends, and I have a lot of friends in Indianapolis, too.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love soccer, and I used to play it a lot more. I enjoy anything outdoors and playing any sport really. I just like to be active. I also love to travel.

What are plans for fall? I’m going to Duke University. I committed in November of 2019. Everyone I’ve met on the diving team is awesome. It will definitely be a new experience, and I’m super excited for it. I’m still deciding what I will study. &

AS PART OF ITS SPONSORSHIP, SPORT COURT HAS MADE A DONATION TO USA DIVING ON BEHALF OF MARGO.

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