Oakley has no fears over stepping up the age groups

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

LEWYS Oakley might be moving up an age group next season but after a confidence boosting year the 13-year-old diver insists he does so with no fear.

LITTLE AND LARGE: Lewys Oakley with mentor and Beijing Olympic diver Nick Robinson-Baker

Oakley kicked things off with 1m springboard gold at the British Gas Elite Junior Diving Championships, finishing just off a medal in fourth in the 3m equivalent and fifth in 10m platform.

But Oakley, who is a member of Southampton Diving Club, didn't stop there and was the only male member of his squad to leave the prestigious Barcelona Diving Trophy clutching silverware - bronze in the 1m springboard.

All of this has come in age category Group C and with next season seeing Oakley step up to Group B, the teenager insists he can continue his medal run despite the tougher competition.

"I have had quite a good year this year and I can take a lot of confidence from how I did in the big competitions," said Oakley.

"The highlights of the year would have to be the Elites back in June where I came away with a gold and then Barcelona where I won a bronze in a big European competition.

"And these medals have come at a good time as next year I am making the step up to Group B, which means I will be against a lot of guys older than me and divers like Ross Haslam and Lewis Coleman-Smith.

"It is going to be harder but after a good year this year I am up for the challenge. It is always going to be tough but it is something you have to do and after a good year this year I am now looking forward to it."

Kellogg's has been supporting British Swimming for more than 15 years on a ‘grassroots to gold medals' programme of swimming. Visit www.kelloggs.co.uk/swimming for more information.

© Sportsbeat 2011