Fraser focuses on 2012 after Britain blossom in Beijing

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Posted: Wednesday 17th September 2008 | 17:36

SOUTHAMPTON Diving Academy coach Lindsey Fraser believes her young charges will blossom from their Beijing experiences.

Blake Aldridge and Stacie Powell are both contenders for home success in four years time according to Fraser, who also coaches three-time Olympian Peter Waterfield.

"It's been a great learning experience for them - even if they didn't get the results they really wanted," said Fraser, who was part of the British team in Beijing.

"2012 is a realistic goal not just for Stacie and Blake but everyone on this team.

"However, with the Olympics being in London there is going to be a lot more competition to even get onto the team - and competition is just what everyone needs to lift the standard."

Britain qualified divers in every event in Beijing but performances were mixed. Aldridge and partner Tom Daley finished eighth out of eight in the men's 10m synchro, the same result achieved by Powell and partner Tonia Couch.

However, 22 year-old Powell reached the women's 10m platform final and secured a top ten finish - a hugely encouraging result as the countdown gathers towards 2012.

Aldridge's future with 14-year old Daley has been questioned after a high-profile public spat, following their final in the early days of the Games. But Fraser has urged for the pair to be given time to develop - with a world series gold in Sheffield earlier this year underlining their raw potential.

"They know what it is all about now and will work hard for the next four years," she added.

"Their synchronisation was great but their diving was a little bit off so they did not get a high synchronisation score. To be fair, eighth on the day was probably a fair reflection of their performance.

"It is a little bit when Peter Waterfield and Leon Taylor came to the Olympics in 2000 and were very unlucky because of a bit of dubious judging and they got fourth. Four years later they got a silver, it takes time for medal winning potential to develop."

DANIEL SCHOFIELD in Beijing