Kingsmead alumna heads to the Olympics for the second time
MELROSE – Vincent said that Kingsmead was fundamental in the kick-start and success of her career as a full-time athlete.
Kingsmead College alumna Julia Vincent (Class of 2012) has been selected to represent South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics for diving.
This is Vincent’s second time being selected to compete at the Olympics, following participation in Rio in 2016.
Speaking to the Gazette, the former Sandhurst resident said, “Qualifying this time around has meant a lot more to me. I have qualified alongside my teammate Micaela Bouter, which has been such a blessing because, from what I understand, this is the first time that South Africa can send two divers to an Olympic Games ever, so to experience this with someone else who has worked just as hard as I have, it just means a lot.”
Vincent (26) said she began diving at age 14 and loves the way that the sport has challenged her and given her a sense of community. “I have learned more about myself because of diving than anything that I have put my time and effort into and being able to overcome some of the mental and physical challenges has been the most rewarding part for me.”
Vincent said that Kingsmead was fundamental in the kick-start and success of her career as a full-time athlete. She said the school was not only supportive of her career but also worked with her in the early phases to maintain her grades while travelling for competitions. Kingsmead also gave her the opportunity to study at the University of South Carolina, where she is currently completing her master’s degree.
Executive head at Kingsmead College Lisa Palmer said that Vincent managed to balance the demands of diving seven days a week with her schoolwork. “She is now a double Olympian – which is an incredible feat. We wish her everything of the best in Tokyo,” said Palmer.
While Vincent said she was disappointed by her performance in Rio, she will be approaching the event in Tokyo with different expectations. “I want to be able to slow it down and take it, one dive, at a time. If I am able to do that, I know the results will speak for themselves.”
Some of Vincent’s greatest achievements to date have included a 12th place finish at the Diving World Championship in 2017, a fourth-place finish in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a semi-final finish in the world events in 2019 and 2021.
Vincent will compete in the women’s 3m springboard diving event in Tokyo, with the prelim on July 30, the semi-final on July 31 and the final on August 1.
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