Karen Smith and Tracey Richardson booked their places at this summer's European championships by splashing to glory at the recent British National finals in Sheffield.

The Southend Swimming club duo joined forces in Yorkshire to take the 3m Springboard synchronised diving event and secure their place on the Great Britain team travelling to Sweden.

Sydney Olympian Karen, 23, and Junior European medalist Tracey, 18, demonstrated a tremendous understanding of each other during their triumph.

Both divers had to compete simultaneously from different boards while completing the same or similar moves in perfect unison.

In the past, Thorpe Bay based Karen has partnered Sheffield's Jane Smith and won Bronze at the European Championships in 1997.

However, the recent combination with younger team mate Tracey has offered far greater possibilities and is proving to be a great match.

Coach Bill Clark said: "The knowledge that the girls have of each other's diving and the great team spirit they share can only lead to fantastic performances.

"They have the advantage of training closely together at the same venue and we intend to use this benefit whenever possible."

Karen and Tracey have also been selected to represent Great Britain as the number one synchronised pair at next weekend's FINA Diving Grand Prix in Manchester.

Flying the flag - Southend duo Karen Smith and Tracey Richardson will be representing Great Britain at the European Diving Championships.

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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