Chris Mears has already enjoyed one unforgettable experience this year and now the City of Leeds diver is hoping to create another at this month’s World Championships.
A back injury hampered Mears’ preparation for the World Series in May so the 22-year-old was delighted to leave London with a silver medal in the 3m synchronised event alongside partner Jack Laugher.
His back is still causing him problems in the build up to the World Championships in Kazan, Russia, later this month but after returning to full fitness, Mears is hopeful of a successful competition in Russia, which doubles up as a chance to qualify for the Olympics in Rio next year.
Mears said: “It has definitely been an up and down year for me. It has been quite difficult as I have not been too stable performance wise because of injury. I have injured my back and have also had a few other bits and pieces.
“I had a few issues at the World Series but I pulled through and managed to medal which was particularly great because it was in front of the home crowd.
“I will carry that memory with me for the rest of my life as it meant the world to me.
“I haven’t had the best preparation for the World Championships but it is fine now and you can’t ask for everything so we will do our best and see what happens.”
Mears will be competing in Kazan alongside Laugher once more in the 3m synchro and individually in the 3m springboard, which he finished fourth during the last World Series event in Mexico in May.
The World Championships kick off on July 24 and Morley-based Mears admits thoughts of booking an early plane ticket to Rio for next year’s Olympics will not be far from his mind.
“I am definitely already thinking about Rio,” he added. “Everyone that competes in sports like ours know the Olympics is the pinnacle
“It was great in London and I want to experience that again. We have been out to Rio already on a training camp and it is a great place with a really good vibe.
“I’m really confident going into the World Championships as I would put myself in the top category of divers.
“The top three in syncro qualify, which will be difficult but we know we are up there so if we have a good day then we can qualify.
“Individually you need to be in the top 12 and I know I can be in the mix. In Mexico I scored 450 twice which would put me in the top 12.
“My aim for the World Championships is to qualify for Rio in my events. If I can do that then I would be ecstatic. If it doesn’t happen then I have another chance in February. But qualifying now would take the pressure off me.
“I’m really excited for the World Championships. Every time I go abroad to one of these events, I know it is going to be fun because I will be with my friends and I love what I do so I’m really happy to be going.”