David Jenkins: Swim England lead tributes to Tom Daley’s ex-diving coach, who has died aged 31

Team GB diving coach David Jenkins has died, aged 31.

Mr Jenkins, who was a key part of the Great Britain team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, passed away over the weekend. The cause of death is not yet known.

Tributes have poured in for the Development Lead Coach for Dive London - the same diving home as Olympic gold medallists Tom Daley and Matty Lee.

Britain’s divers secured a joint record medal haul at the Tokyo Olympics.

Who was David Jenkins?

Dave Jenkins was a hugely popular figure in the Team GB camp and highly respected in the world of diving after his work with British divers.

As a former gymnast and diver, Mr Jenkins took to coaching immediately and played an integral role at England’s top diving programme at Dive London.

In paying tribute to Mr Jenkins, Swim England staff offered their thoughts and condolences to his wife, family and friends, while asking for their privacy to be respected.

"He was extremely popular with all in the diving community due to his wonderful, friendly personality," a statement read.

David Jenkins coaching highlights

David Jenkins was part of coaching teams at World and European Championships, as well as Team England at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In Australia, one of his young divers Noah Williams, who was part of the Team GB squad at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, won a silver medal in the men’s 10m synchro.

Mr Jenkins was nominated for Diving Coach of the Year at the British Swimming Awards, following the 2018 Games, as his athletes continued to thrive on the international stage.

He also played an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, delivering Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the country.

Tributes to David Jenkins

A Swim England statement continued: "David had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with at Swim England, British Diving and GLL."

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson said: “Everyone at Swim England is deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing.

“He was a highly-respected coach who played a key role in the development of several divers who have competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympics.

“He will be extremely missed poolside and our thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Swim England go out to his family and friends.”

Olympic champion Matty Lee also paid tribute on Instagram, where he said Mr Jenkins "lit up every room he walked into" and that he would be "missed greatly".

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