With today being Play True Day, we check in with standout diver Jack Laugher as he reflects on his career in the pool and his role as Vice Chairperson of the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee.
The two-time Olympian and part of the first British diving pair to win Olympic gold with 3m Synchronised teammate Chris Mears at the Rio 2016 Games, talks about what has inspired the eight-time World Championship medallist to compete clean.
What inspired you to join the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee, and how do you see your role as Vice Chairperson advancing aquatic sports?
I have always wanted to play my part within the sport I love and the Athletes’ Committee is a great board to be on to be able to try to make change from within. I’ve always been passionate about speaking up for fellow athletes and would love to see the sport making strides forward every year.
As a competitor, you have achieved some of the highest of highs in diving. How do you see your experiences and insights benefitting the committee in addressing the needs and concerns of aquatics athletes globally?
I have achieved so much over so many years in the sport now. Having experience of both the biggest competitions and also time in the sport, I’ve managed to build up a good idea of how things are run and have met the people to be able to make change as well. I also believe because I am still competing, I’ve got my ear to the ground constantly. I’m very lucky to have the experience I have and I believe I can utilise it to push diving forward as a sport but also with the athletes' best interest at heart.
We all have people in our lives who influence our values. Who inspires you to play true?
I have two major inspirations in my life. In diving - Alex Despatie. He was an inspiration for me since I was a young diver and his legacy continues to be a driving factor to being the best I can be and being clean. The other inspiration is my mum. She has always drilled it into me that winning is good but being fair and clean is most important.
Why is it essential for athletes to compete on a level playing field without the use of performance-enhancing substances, and how does this contribute to the integrity and future of sports?
It is of utmost importance for all athletes to play true and fair because the events that we have are so important to every athlete and ruining someone else’s victory because of illegal substances is heart breaking.
With this Friday being #PlayTrue Day, what message would you like to convey to fellow athletes about the significance of maintaining a commitment to clean sport, for both the present and future generations of athletes?
My message would be to always stay true to the morals and ethics of sport and to always speak up if you see, hear or witness anything.