A TALENTED Bolton diver has set his sights on following in the footsteps of Tom Daley by becoming an Olympian.

Oliver Crompton is part of a Junior Elite National Development Squad training centre in Leeds and after some impressive performances in Luton he is well on his way to achieving his goal.

His father Peter Crompton said: “He is steadily improving all the time and is ranked around fifth in the country in his age and ability group.

“We are so proud of what he has achieved in the three years that he has been doing it.

“We took him to the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury for a taster session in diving and he has never looked back.

“After 12 months we decided to commit to Leeds as it is the British Diving High Performance Centre with excellent coaches and facilities.

“Diving has given Oliver self-confidence and raised his aspirations which are invaluable. “This is important as Oliver comes from an area of high deprivation where opportunities are limited and aspirations are low.

“Oliver is in good company at the centre in Leeds, where five club members competed at last year’s London Olympics. “His dream as a keen sportsman is to follow in their footsteps.”

But the St James High School pupil is not a one-trick pony as he is also a promising trampolinist.

Peter said: “When he started secondary school Oliver joined the school trampoline club and is included in dry diving training.

“He was put straight into the team which included older children.

“Last July, they reached the National Schools final in Staffordshire where the team finished in third place.

“Oliver finished top of the podium in his individual age-group event.”

His progression into diving has come after being recognised as an all-round sportsman.

Peter said:“When he was younger he was a great swimmer and swam for the Bolton squad.

“He also took part in gymnastics at Bolton Gymnastics Club and then trampolining at South Bolton Trampoline Club. “It was one of his swimming coaches who recommended Oliver try diving as it would encompass all the skills he learned in different sports.”

  • Read more about Oliver in our news section here.