WHEN the divers of Bradford Esprit finally got back in the pool at the beginning of October, it was as though they’d never been away.

Like all other clubs, Esprit were forced to put up their boards and suspend their plans for an ambitious year of competitions (including a trip to Rome in July) when lockdown hit the city in March.

And, although core and fitness training continued virtually, including some online ballet sessions, nothing can really replace a 5am get up for a 6am start in Shipley Pool.

Spectators weren’t permitted to watch but, even without an admiring audience, the divers were back flipping, twisting and ripping those dives.

Esprit were keen to capitalise on a hugely successful 2019 season, when divers represented Bradford at national and international competitions.

Thanks to the considerable efforts of Bradford Council to make Shipley Pool Covid-safe, the diving programme was able to return to near normal, with Esprit training on every day except Sundays.

It wasn’t just the divers who were glad to be back making a splash.

A club representative said: “It has been a difficult year for everyone, but it has been fantastic to get an element of normal life back again.”

Lockdown has delayed the opportunities for some of Esprit’s older divers to complete their coaching qualifications but plans are afoot for a busier 2021.

And, although the chamois have been hung out to dry for another few weeks during the new national lockdown, the team are poised to return at the first possible opportunity.

If you are interested in learning to dive through Bradford’s Learn To Dive programme, or if you’d like to trial to join Esprit’s competition team, contact Ian Keighley, Diving Development Officer, on ian.keighley@bradford.gov.uk