6 Jul 2016

First NZ diver selected for Olympics in 24 years

9:35 am on 6 July 2016

A New Zealand springboad diver will compete at the Olympics for the first time in 24 years, with 18-year-old Elizabeth Cui selected in the New Zealand team for Rio.

The Auckland diver is currently based at Louisiana State University in the United States, and staked her claim claim for an Olympics spot at the Rio World Cup and Olympic test event in February, beating the current Commonwealth Champion in the three metre springboard competition.

Elizabeth Cui will be the first New Zealand diver to compete at an Olympics in 24 years.

Elizabeth Cui will be the first New Zealand diver to compete at an Olympics in 24 years. Photo: Supplied

"Knowing that all my bruises and scars both mentally and physically have brought me to the position I am in today makes everything so worth it," said Cui.

"Since I was 8 all I've known is diving. I eat, breathe, and live diving. Ten years of dedicating my life to this sport has never felt more satisfying."

The last New Zealand diver to compete at an Olympics was Tania Paterson, who contested the 10m platform at Barcelona in 1992.

161 New Zealand athletes have now been selected for Rio.