From 'diving with these idols', Lichtenstein now beats them all

Competing alongside rivals whom he idolises, James Lichtenstein earned himself a place in the pantheon on July 27 by clinching the high diving title at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) for the first time.

- Melvyn Teoh

The 30-year-old American, who was trailing leader Carlos Gimeno of Spain by 24.7 points heading into the final round of the men's 27m platform at Sentosa's Palawan Green, executed a clutch dive to claim the gold medal, which was also his country's first at the WCH after 17 days of competition.

"Amazing, incredible, a dream come true. I know I can dive well, but to put it together when it counts is a thrilling feeling," he said.

"I've been looking up to those guys (his fellow competitors) for years, and I started only four years ago.

"That first year for me was the adjustment period, like 'I'm diving with these idols', but now, I know I can compete with the best of them."