Craig Cederberg jumps off the 1m in preparation for his event. Photo: Angela Bacic
Saturday 12 November
By Angela Bacic
The only United States competitor in the diving at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG), Craig Cederberg, made a successful start at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre winning a silver medal in the 50-59 men’s 1m springboard.
The 56-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, is happy to be on the Gold Coast after making his childhood dream come true.
“Since grade two I’ve always wanted to come to Australia,” Craig said.
“It’s (diving) similar to gymnastics which I have a background in and it sure looked fun.”
Although he has competed at the highest level in tumbling and gymnastics, his biggest achievement is not winning a medal but becoming an officer in the US Airforce.
“One of the greatest honours I had was serving alongside the Australian Airforce,” Craig said.
Before joining the air force he served in the US military for 11 years as an infantry medic before rising through the ranks to become a major in the air force as a tactical flight nurse.
But Craig decided after retiring from the military that he needed a job that was a little more relaxed, but could still utilise his skills, so he works as an emergency serviceman which has allowed him the opportunity to practice his diving as well.
Craig discovered the JPPMG while searching online.
“I thought this would just be a great opportunity,” he said.
“I saw how friendly everyone was and everyone was having such a good time.”
Craig entered himself into the springboard events and wanted to have a go at the platform, but could not find a venue with a platform for him to train.
“So I came here and started winging stuff off the platform and decided maybe next time will be a better time to do it,” he said.
The Paradise Diving Club has opened their arms wide to all competitors in this year JPPMG events.
During practice, coaches from the club and other participants were giving all competitors tips and pointers.
“There are some really excellent divers here, and those of us with lesser skill are made to feel very welcome and encouraged,” Craig said.
“Divers in my competition are trying to help me do better.”
Craig is looking forward to coming back in two years and hopes to see more divers at the competition.
“The environment of the people here and the Gold Coast are amazing,” he said.
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcases competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
