Ross Haslam has had an amazing career turnaround. Just three years ago he was on the verge of quitting the sport he had dedicated his life to but 2017 has seen the fruits of his labour finally realised.
During the British Diving Championships 2017 in Edinburgh Haslam claimed three domestic titles and went on to qualify for his first FINA World Championships.
"2017 has been a great year for me as I won three British Titles – 3m, 3m Synchro and 3m Mixed.
"I then made a final in Kiev at the European and two at the Worlds in Budapest on the first time in each competition.
"I was so happy to be able to make it into the final and then came fifth at the Europeans in 3m. I then went on to make two finals at the Worlds – in 1m and 3m. I had aimed to get into the semi-finals, so to make it into two finals was amazing.
"And on top of that, I got a PB in the 3m springboard final of 452. I think apart from Jack Laugher and Chris Mears this puts me as the third highest scorer in British diving in this event so I’m really proud of that.
"I loved going to Kiev and Budapest this year. Budapest is one of the nicest places I’ve ever been – the competition was organised really well, the people were so friendly and welcoming and the city itself is beautiful.
"I then had a stress response in my heel in mid-October which meant I was in an air cast. Hopefully, this shouldn’t impact my ability to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
"But because of the injury, I will have less time to prepare. But I know what I have to do – just dive better than everyone else!
"I dive in a synchro pair with my brother Jack. I find it is harder in the synchro as I really don’t want to let him down. It’s really difficult for our parents too as they say unless we both so well it is hard for them to be happy after watching us. They don’t want to celebrate one of us doing really well in case the other one hasn’t!
"In 2018 there’s a World Cup in China and Europeans in August that I will be working towards and hoping to do well in. I’m working on a new dive: a reverse 3 ½. I’ve not tried it in a competition yet, but hope to soon.
"I’m hoping next year I can build on my great year, stay injury free and get to some more finals."
See Ross and the rest of the British Diving elite in action at next years British Diving Championships in Plymouth from 26-28 January - click here to buy