Centennial grad Ogden hoping to earn a berth at 2012 US diving trials
| Monday, Aug 08 2011 07:35 PM
Last Updated Monday, Aug 08 2011 10:27 PM
Images
Bryce Ogden
Bryce Ogden
Bryce Ogden
Bryce Ogden
Bryce Ogden appeared relaxed, hanging out with friends just days before one of the biggest events of his athletic career.
And why not?
The Indiana University junior has remained cool under pressure since making a splash as a varsity diver in his freshman year at Centennial High.
Soon after that, wherever Ogden went, attention followed. Just three years later, he had already won two SYL titles, a pair of CIF Central Section crowns, and set a 1-meter, 11-dive school record of 475.15 points while helping the Golden Hawks earn the SWYL and Area diving championships in 2008 and 2009.
Now the 19-year old will rely on his calm demeanor to help him qualify for a spot at the 2012 Olympic Diving Trials. He needs to place sixth or better at the 2011 AT&T National Diving Championships that begin today at UCLA's Spieker Aquatics Center.
Along with teammate Zach Nees, Ogden will compete in the 3-meter synchronized springboard event.
"Since this is my first national event; of course I'm a little bit nervous," said Ogden. "There are quite a few good teams and individuals that we'll be competing against, but I think the best thing that I can do is have fun and try and stay as relaxed as possible."
Despite taking to the pool later than most, Ogden picked up diving quickly.
A gymnast from age 6, he was able to perfectly execute a front 21/2 somersault as well as a front and back tuck in his first year diving, and credits the spatial awareness built up over his childhood in the gym for making his switch to diving seem effortless.
"Air awareness is such a huge part of diving," said Ogden, "You have to see yourself diving; spotting the water on each individual somersault or twist, and knowing exactly where to kick out."
However, making the transition from Bakersfield to Indiana hasn't been as easy.
"It was a really big change coming here, especially the weather," he said. "But I especially miss my family."
Changes in the level of competition have also been challenging, and the former Cal State Bakersfield athlete says it's been a big adjustment moving to the bigger school Division I school.
"We weren't competing against any really big schools, where here you are going against some very accomplished Big 10 athletes," Ogden said. "It's been a great privilege, as well as a learning experience diving with them."
Since arriving at IU, Ogden has yet to compete with the Hoosiers, choosing to spend his sophomore year focusing on his studies as well as an intense training scheduled that consists of a pair of two-hour platform sessions a day, as well as core and weight training three times per week.
"I felt that sitting out last year helped me a lot because I was able to focus on working on small things that are really important for diving," Ogden says, "If you can do big tricks that's one thing, but making them look good is completely different, and that's what I spent time working on."
Ogden will now hope that all of his training will pay dividends as he prepares to face two of the nation's best divers in the 3-meter synchro -- three-time Olympian Troy Dumais and Kristian Ipsen .
They took the silver medal in the synchronized 3-meter springboard at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships in Rome.
"He (Dumais) and Kristian are definitely the favorites, and you don't have to think too hard that they will be tough to beat.
"But no matter what happens, I'm looking forward to the experience. Besides, it won't change my plans to stay at IU and continue training for the next Olympic Trials."
After Nationals, Ogden will return to Indiana, where he said he will concentrate on working on his degrees in physical education and kinesiology, along with quietly eyeing a Big Ten title.
"IU is one of the biggest diving schools in the nation, and we have a really good shot at winning it all."
